International Breastfeeding Journal volume 12 , Article number: 16 Cite this article. Metrics details. Optimal breastfeeding has benefits for the mother-infant dyads. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding EBF in the early postnatal period in a culturally and linguistically diverse population in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Multivariate logistic regression models that adjusted for confounders were conducted to determine association between cessation of EBF in the early postnatal period and socio-demographic, psychosocial and health service factors.
Intimate partner violence, assisted delivery, low socio-economic status, pre-existing maternal health problems and a lack of partner support were also associated with early cessation of EBF in the postnatal period. Our findings suggest that while most mothers intend to breastfeed, and commence EBF at delivery and at discharge, the maintenance of EBF in the early postnatal period is sub-optimal. This highlights the need for efforts to promote breastfeeding in the wider community along with targeted actions for disadvantaged groups and those identified to be at risk of early cessation of EBF to maximise impact.
Optimal breastfeeding has both short- and long-term benefits for the mother-infant dyads [ 1 β 4 ]. Breastfed infants are less likely to develop diarrhoea [ 5 , 6 ], otitis media and obesity as well as have a lower likelihood of mortality [ 5 ]. Appropriate breastfeeding is also associated with a higher likelihood of better intellectual functioning [ 7 ]. Mothers who engage in optimal breastfeeding practices have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, and type 2 diabetes mellitus [ 4 ].
Recent studies have identified mechanisms as to why breast milk is important for the newborn, including stimulation of the immunological and epigenetic functions, and enhancement as well as maintenance of the microbial changes of the gut [ 8 β 13 ].
The number of Indigenous infants who were exclusively breastfed post discharge from hospital after birth was even lower compared to non-Indigenous infants [ 16 ].
