ABSTRACT
The authors' objectives were (1) to assess factors associated with breastfeeding rates in the early postpartum period and (2) to assess factors contributing to successful breastfeeding among an active-duty and military-dependent population. In September 2002, a baseline breastfeeding survey was administered to women presenting for infant or postpartum care in a military health care facility. A lactation service was then established, and between May and September 2004, a cross-sectional survey was subsequently conducted. Surveys assessed demographics, breastfeeding history and practices, and perceived reasons for success and discontinuation. A total of 934 surveys were collected. Ninety-two percent of women initiated breastfeeding. Eighty-five percent were breastfeeding at 1 week. The rate was 67.0% at 6 weeks and 61.7% at 6 months. Prior breastfeeding experience predicted continued breast-feeding at 6 weeks (OR 2.04); higher education level predicted breastfeeding at 6 months (OR 2.55). Breastfeeding rates increased after the establishment of a lactation service.
