Resource Use by Breast Feeding (BF) Mothers During the First 4 Weeks † 1283

Objective: To identify and characterize sources of information and support that contribute to successful breast feeding at 4 weeks. Design/Methods: Prospective 8-week cohort study of 522 women who had vaginal delivery of healthy, term singleton at 4 area hospitals. Data was obtained through chart review, and through questionnaires during personal interview in the maternity hospital and by telephone at 4 and 8 weeks post-partum. Results: 83% of participants (mean age 29.3 years, 40% primiparous, 89% white, 56% with college education, 91% commercial insurance) breast fed to 4 weeks, and 71% to 8 weeks. 55% of 387 mothers who had a home visit from a nurse classified the visit as supportive of breast feeding. 62 mothers (11.9%) had breast feeding guidance at home during the first two weeks from a relative with previous breast feeding experience. Friends and family were most frequently called and visited for breast feeding advice, followed by the lactation consultant, pediatrician, obstetrician/midwife, breast feeding support group and maternity hospital. Pattern of resource use did not predict breast feeding success.

Conclusion: Phone calls to friends and family are the most frequent source of information and support for breast feeding mothers in the first 4 weeks. Breast feeding related resource use in the first 4 weeks is shown: Table

Table 1 No caption available.

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