Factors influencing the duration of breastfeeding in the Sudbury region.

OBJECTIVE To determine the duration of breastfeeding in the Sudbury Region and to identify the reasons why mothers wean before the Canadian Paediatric Society's recommended six month period. METHODS Questionnaires addressing factors that influence the duration of breastfeeding were mailed to 350 breastfeeding mothers at one/two weeks, three months and six months after their postpartum discharge from hospital. RESULTS Forty percent of mothers breastfed for the recommended six month period. Reported factors positively influencing longer durations of breastfeeding were higher education, higher family income, parity, previous breastfeeding experience, decision to breastfeed before the child was born and late introduction to solids. Reasons for weaning included perceived insufficient milk supply, fatigue, breast problems and return to work. Mothers' top three choices of services were home visits, telephone hot line and television programs. CONCLUSIONS The duration of breastfeeding in the Sudbury Region is lower than the provincial average. Several modifiable factors associated with duration of breastfeeding were identified.