ABSTRACT
Objective
To evaluate breastfeeding outcomes among Aboriginal women and to determine variables
affecting breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.
Design
Prospective cohort study.
Setting
Two sites in Northwestern Ontario, Canada: a tertiary care center and a rural hospital.
Participants
One hundred thirty breastfeeding Aboriginal women agreed to participate in the study.
Methods
All women completed a baseline survey in hospital that included questions regarding
demographic, prenatal, breastfeeding, obstetric, postpartum, and neonatal characteristics.
Women were then telephoned at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum to complete additional questionnaires
regarding infant feeding.
Results
Low rates of breastfeeding initiation (69%) and exclusive breastfeeding were identified
at 4 (37.5%) and 8 (35.3%) weeks postpartum. Among those who initiated breastfeeding,
duration rates at 4 (86%) and 8 weeks (78%) postpartum are comparable to other studies.
Variables associated with any and exclusive breastfeeding at 8 weeks included the
following: (a) household income, (b) intended breastfeeding duration, (c) plan to
exclusively breastfeed, (d) perception of meeting their planned duration goal, and
(e) higher breastfeeding self‐efficacy. Partner support was associated with any breastfeeding
at 8 weeks but not exclusivity. Women who were breastfeeding exclusively in hospital
(prevalence ratio [PR] = .48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.27, 0.86]), did not
smoke (PR = 2.5, 95% CI [1.4, 4.3]) and/or use substances during pregnancy (PR = 4.5,
95% CI [1.5, 14]) were more likely to be breastfeeding exclusively at 8 weeks.
Conclusion
Many of the variables may be considered modifiable and amenable to intervention. Targeted
interventions should be directed toward improving breastfeeding outcomes among Aboriginal
women.
Keywords
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Biography
Karen McQueen, RN, PhD, is an associate professor at Lakehead University School of Nursing, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Biography
Lee E. Sieswerda, B.Ed., M.Sc. is manager of Environmental Health Programs, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Biography
William Montelpare, PhD, is the Margaret and Wallace McCain Chair in Human Development and Health, Department of Applied Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Biography
Cindy‐Lee Dennis, PhD, is a professor in nursing and medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Copyright
© 2015 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
