Research findings, 'Evaluation of lactation support in the workplace or school environment on 6-month breastfeeding outcomes in Yolo County, California,' are discussed in a new report. 'Six-month breastfeeding outcomes (almost exclusive breastfeeding, partial breastfeeding, and not breastfeeding) were analyzed for 201 infants born to Yolo County, California, mothers who returned to work or school. Twenty-two percent of workplaces and 17% of schools did not provide a lactation room,' scientists in the United States report (see also Life Sciences).
'Although part-or full-time status, knowledge of breastfeeding rules, and support from colleagues were independently associated with the outcome, they were not significant in the multivariate analysis. In the selected model, maternal age (odds ratio [OR]=2.3; 1.3-3.9 for a 10-year difference), college or above versus <or=high school education (OR=9.1; 4.2-19.6), and exclusive breast milk feeding in the hospital (OR=2.1; 1.1-4.0) were associated with better breastfeeding outcomes at 6 months postpartum. Receipt of discharge gift packs containing formula (OR=0.5; 0.3-1.0) was inversely associated with the degree of breastfeeding exclusivity,' wrote H.A. Dabritz and colleagues, .
The researchers concluded: 'The 2 latter findings underscore the importance of hospitals adhering to specific guidelines of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.'
Dabritz and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Human Lactation (Evaluation of lactation support in the workplace or school environment on 6-month breastfeeding outcomes in Yolo County, California. Journal of Human Lactation, 2009;25(2):182-93).
For additional information, contact H.A. Dabritz, Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Dept. of Public Health, Richmond, CA USA..
The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Human Lactation is: SAGE Publications, USA , 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
Keywords: United States, Richmond, Life Sciences, Pediatrics.
This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
