Maternal Commitment, Lactation Practices, and Breastfeeding Duration

A longitudinal study of 44 breastfeeding mothers was conducted to determine how strongly prenatal intention influenced breastfeeding duration, and whether postpartum events and practices had any additional effects. The subjects were interviewed three times between the third trimester and one year after birth. The strongest predictor of duration was prenatal intent. However, formula supplementation had an independent negative effect and was inversely related to social support. The practice implications for breastfeeding promotion include early supportive intervention and educational programs.