Understanding Breastfeeding Practices in Tennessee: Goals, Duration, and Reasons for Discontinuation.

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of infant nutrition, offering many health benefits.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine goals, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding and explore factors that influence breastfeeding practices among individuals in Tennessee (TN).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals (N = 1,249). Participants were recruited and data were collected from June - September 2021. The data were entered and analyzed from September 2022 - March 2023. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and identify associations between variables.

Results: About 32% of the participants did not meet their goal to exclusively breastfeed for six months. Most participants reported that they chose to breastfeed due to benefits for the child (78.4%) and woman (62.1%). About 44% of the participants indicated that their healthcare provider promoted milk formula, and 41% did not feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. More than half of the participants reported not receiving education on the benefits of breastfeeding from their healthcare provider. Findings showed a significant relationship between discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding early and not receiving support from hospital maternity staff (X2 (1, N = 403) = 7.7, p < 0.05) and not feeling comfortable breastfeeding in public (X2 (1, N = 372) = 15.5, p < 0.001).

Implications: Enhanced education and support from healthcare providers, along with efforts to normalize breastfeeding in public, are essential to improve breastfeeding outcomes and support individuals in achieving their breastfeeding goals.