Risk factors and predictive modeling of exclusive breastfeeding failure in mothers separated from their infants.

Abstract

This study explored factors contributing to exclusive breastfeeding failure in mothers separated from their infants and developed a predictive nomogram model. Clinical data from 258 such mothers admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2023 and June 2024 were analyzed. Among them, 119 experienced breastfeeding failure. Prolonged separation, lack of breastfeeding knowledge, inverted nipples, maternal anxiety, and depression were identified as independent risk factors. The nomogram model showed good predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.739 and positive net benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities. This model could support targeted interventions in clinical practice.