Evaluation of a breastfeeding assessment score in a diverse population.

A previous study performed in a predominately suburban population developed a breastfeeding assessment score (BAS) that was designed to predict, prior to hospital discharge, those mothers who would discontinue breastfeeding within the first 10 days of age. The purpose of the present study was to assess the BAS in a more diverse population. Patients were solicited from 3 urban hospitals serving patients primarily supported by public funding. Results of the present study with 1182 mother-infant pairs confirmed that 5 variables scored on a 0-2 scale (maternal age, previous breastfeeding experience, latching difficulty, breastfeeding interval, number bottles) remained highly significant for predicting discontinuation of breastfeeding. The data also demonstrate that the BAS is inversely related to the risk of cessation of breastfeeding at 7 to 10 days of age. Those at an early risk of cessation of breastfeeding, identified by the BAS, may benefit from early identification and a lactation consultation.

A breast-feeding assessment score to evaluate the risk for cessation of breast-feeding by 7 to 10 days of age.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a succinct and comprehensive breast-feeding assessment score (BAS) to accurately identify infants at risk for early cessation of breast-feeding before initial hospital discharge. STUDY DESIGN: Mothers who intended to breast-feed their infants were solicited from 9 suburban hospitals. Two detailed data forms covering 107 items were completed before hospital discharge. A third form was completed at 7 to 10 days of age after telephone contact with the mother. RESULTS: Cessation of breast-feeding occurred in 113 of 1075 infants (10.5%). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed 8 variables that were significant (P <.05) in predicting breast feeding cessation. A BAS was developed based on the odds ratios and relative risks of breast-feeding cessation for these 8 variables. CONCLUSIONS: The BAS was easily and quickly performed before hospital discharge for near term and term infants, which accurately predicted the risk of breast-feeding cessation within 7 to 10 days of age in the population studied.