Is maternal cigarette or water pipe use associated with stopping breastfeeding? Evidence from the Jordan population and family health surveys 2012 and 2017–18

Abstract

Background Maternal smoking is suspected to have negative impacts on breastfeeding, such as decreasing the quantity of breast milk, and reducing vitamin and fat concentrations in the milk in the late lactation period. Cigarette and water pipe tobacco products are widely used in Jordan. We aimed to estimate the association between use of different tobacco products and the rates of current breastfeeding. Methods Data from Jordan’s Population and Family Health Surveys 2012 and 2017–18 were examined. Last-born, living children, aged < 25 months, from singleton births, ever breastfed, and living with their mother were included. The key outcome variables were the current breastfeeding (during last 24 h) and tobacco usage status [water pipe tobacco (hookah or narghile) and/or cigarette tobacco]. Complex sample multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of the current breastfeeding with maternal smoking status. Results Overall, 6726 infants were included in the study. The current breastfeeding rate in infants aged 0–6 months was 87%, compared with 43.9% in infants aged 12–17 months and 19.4% in infants aged 18–24 months. Overall, 4.4% had mothers who smoked cigarettes, 5.4% smoked water pipe, and 1.6% both cigarettes and water pipe. The proportion of breastfed infants in non-smoking mothers was 57.7% and, those in smoke water pipe, cigarette and both tobacco products were 55.4, 44.9, and 51.0% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that women cigarette smokers had a lower odds ratio (OR) for current breastfeeding (OR 0.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.39, 0.92). Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal cigarette smoking was associated with a lower odds ratio for current breastfeeding compared with mothers who smoked neither water pipe nor cigarettes (AOR 0.51, 95% Cl 0.30, 0.87). Conclusions These results indicate that maternal smoking is associated with termination of breastfeeding, suggesting that structured training should be organized for healthcare professionals, expectant mothers and the general public about the association between maternal smoking and cessation of lactation.

Breastfeeding practices among Syrian refugees in Turkey

“…Lactation is a natural process that starts without any external intervention. However, it has been reported that social and cultural determinants, personal habits have an impact on breastfeeding in human beings [ 11 – 20 ]. Breastfeeding studies among migrants and refugees report additional challenges [ 18 ].…”

Chemical Effects on Breast Development, Function, and Cancer Risk: Existing Knowledge and New Opportunities

“…For instance, smoking has been found to reduce breast milk supply and quality [ 46 , 47 ], which may be related to inhalation of chemical additives and combustion byproducts, many of which are EDCs [ 14 ]. In some populations, maternal smoking status during the postpartum period is associated with an increased likelihood of breastfeeding termination [ 48 , 49 ], although these associations could be more related to lifestyle and social factors rather than effects of chemical exposures. While the causal pathway between these parameters is not established, a systematic review of 20 studies revealed that smoking is associated with lower milk lipid, protein, and caloric content; decreased antioxidant properties; and altered immune markers in breast milk [ 50 ], all of which can affect the health of the nursing offspring.…”

Challenges for influencing exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating mothers with infants aged 0–6 months in Borama District, Somaliland: A cross‐sectional study

“…[17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Current breastfeeding was inversely correlated with parental smoking habits. 20 Breastfeeding status was also influenced by factors like the length of the gestational period, the public hospital where the birth occurred, the absence of prelacteal feeding, not being pregnant, and the location. 21 A challenge is something new and difficult that requires great effort and determination.…”

“…Researchers highlighted that the interpregnancy interval, prelacteal feeding, family planning, and bottle use, maternal smoking, cultural aspect are linked to breastfeeding practice 17–23 . Current breastfeeding was inversely correlated with parental smoking habits 20 . Breastfeeding status was also influenced by factors like the length of the gestational period, the public hospital where the birth occurred, the absence of prelacteal feeding, not being pregnant, and the location 21 …”

“…Moreover, several previous studies tried to identify the influential factors of EBF worldwide. Researchers highlighted that the interpregnancy interval, prelacteal feeding, family planning, and bottle use, maternal smoking, cultural aspect are linked to breastfeeding practice 17–23 . Current breastfeeding was inversely correlated with parental smoking habits 20 .…”