Determinants of Breastfeeding Among Mexican Women with Higher Education Working in a Private University

Abstract

Objectives To examine breastfeeding practices and to identify determinants of breastfeeding duration among Mexican women with high levels of education working in a university. We hypothesized that having a C-section delivery, giving birth at a private hospital, receiving free infant formula at the hospital and/or supplementing breastmilk with other liquids soon after giving birth would be negatively associated with breastfeeding duration. Methods Retrospective, cross-sectional study on mothers 18–50 years of age who worked at a private university in Mexico City (N = 150). We performed descriptive analyses and ran linear regression models to identify determinants of any and exclusive breastfeeding duration for the women’s youngest offspring. Results Mean breastfeeding duration was 7.6 months and the mean exclusive breastfeeding duration was 1.81 months. Nearly 60% of the women in the sample had a C-section; almost 70% gave birth at private hospitals; 50% reported to have fed their baby with liquids other than breastmilk within the first three days of their baby’s life; and almost 25% of the women were offered free infant formula at the hospital where their child was born. Findings from the regression models that controlled for sociodemographic characteristics suggest that giving birth at a private vs. a public hospital was significantly associated with 1 month less of exclusive breastfeeding (95% CI: –2.11, 0.10, P < 0.1). Similarly, being offered free infant formula at the hospital was marginally associated with 1.59 months less of exclusive breastfeeding (95% CI: –3.2, 0.02, P < 0.1). Conclusions Breastfeeding outcomes among this group of women are suboptimal. Our findings underscore the need to improve breastfeeding protection, promotion and support in maternity hospitals through adherence to the Ten Steps promoted by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Funding Sources Universidad Iberoamericana.