Background: Early postpartum discharge is a recent practice in France, but the influence of a shortened hospital stay on subsequent breastfeeding is unknown. The objective of the present study was to compare the breastfeeding mode after early discharge (ED) and conventional discharge (CD) from a hospital maternity unit.
Methods: An observational study was conducted in a French university hospital among 135 breastfeeding mothers, who delivered between 1 January and 31 July 2006. Forty-five ED mothers were matched with 90 CD mothers on 13 criteria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding feeding practices at 10 weeks postpartum, the period corresponding to paid maternity leave.
Results: Exclusive breast-, mixed, and bottle feedings were reported by, respectively, 35 (77.8%), three (6.7%) and seven (15.5%) ED mothers and 64 (71.1%), 12 (13.3%) and 14 (15.6%) CD mothers (no significant differences). Satisfaction with support for breastfeeding and reasons for switching to mixed or bottle feeding were comparable in the two groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that only the planned duration of breastfeeding and the mother's dissatisfaction with help significantly influenced breastfeeding prevalence.
Conclusions: Early postpartum hospital discharge organized by skilled professionals is compatible with a satisfactory rate of exclusive breastfeeding up to the return to work. Formalized programs of instruction for perinatal professionals would help to reduce early abandonment.