Relationship between Maternal Postpartum Intention to Breastfeed and Actual Breastfeeding Duration — Four Provinces, China, 2015–2017

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Several studies have reported that maternal antenatal intention to breastfeed is a strong predictor of actual breastfeeding duration. However, little research has investigated whether maternal postpartum intention also extends breastfeeding duration. What is added by this report? Maternal postpartum intention to breastfeed was a protective factor for extending actual breastfeeding duration after controlling potential confounders. What are the implications for public health practice? It is crucial to address and promote intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence a mother’s intention to breastfeed after delivery, thereby extending the actual breastfeeding duration.