Breastfeeding in preterm and term twins--maternal factors associated with early cessation: a population-based study

J Hum Lact. 2010 Aug;26(3):235-41; quiz 327-9. doi: 10.1177/0890334409359627. Epub 2010 Feb 5.

Abstract

To investigate the duration of breastfeeding and the impact of maternal factors for cessation of breastfeeding in twin infants, the authors undertook a population-based cohort study. Breastfeeding data obtained from Child Health Centres were matched with data on infant and maternal demographics from Swedish national registers. A total of 1.657 twins were included, of whom 695 were born preterm. Breastfeeding frequencies in preterm twins were 79% at 2 months, 58% at 4 months, 39% at 6 months, 14% at 9 months, and 6% at 12 months. In term twins, the corresponding frequencies were 84%, 63%, 45%, 18%, and 6%, respectively. In both preterm and term mothers, mothers who had a lower educational level or smoked at first antenatal care visit were subject to earlier cessation of breastfeeding by 6 months of age. In addition, in mothers of term infants, mothers who were < 23 years old or primiparous had a higher risk for cessation of breastfeeding before 6 months. Thus, mothers of twins have a good potential to breastfeed, but additional support is needed for those more susceptible to early cessation of breastfeeding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Breast Feeding / epidemiology*
  • Breast Feeding / psychology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Parity
  • Pregnancy
  • Registries
  • Smoking
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Time Factors
  • Twins*