Optimal Periods of Exclusive Breastfeeding Associated with Any Breastfeeding in the First Year

What is it about?

Using a large national sample, we tried to identify and quantify optimal minimum durations of exclusive breastfeeding associated with maintenance of any breastfeeding at 4 week intervals during the first year of life and also at time points corresponding with the Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding duration objectives. We evaluated whether the identified thresholds were affected by maternal demographics and/or return to work status.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Using a methodological approach unique to breastfeeding duration research, we report optimal durations of exclusive breastfeeding associated with duration of any breastfeeding at time points throughout the first year. Perinatal clinicians, pediatricians, lactation professionals, policymakers, researchers, and families might apply these findings to achieve desirable collective breastfeeding duration outcomes.