Breastfeeding indicators among a nationally representative multi-ethnic sample of New Zealand children

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Castro T et al.

February 1, 2018

Summary:

This analysis examined breastfeeding data from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study. Of 6,685 enrolled singletons, breastfeeding was initiated for 97% of the children. Sixteen percent were exclusively breastfed to age 6 months and 13% were breastfed to age 24 months. Exclusive breastfeeding for ≥4 months was less likely for children of mothers of Māori (RR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.87), Pacific (RR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.98) or Asian (RR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.86) ethnicity. Children who were more likely to be exclusively breastfed for ≥4 months were born to mothers aged 20–29 years (RR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.49), ≥30 years (RR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1), those with a tertiary education (RR 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.21), or planned pregnancy (RR 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.21) and were from families with older siblings (RR 1.31; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.47). Children were more likely to be breastfed ≥6 months if their mother was aged 20–29 years (RR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.45) or ≥30 years (RR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.61), had a tertiary education (RR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.59), or planned pregnancy (RR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.15), or if they had older siblings (RR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.08).

Comment:

Breastfeeding can be challenging, particularly when returning to work, when there are other stressors, when mastitis occurs and when there are difficulties with latching. It is wonderful to see so many of our MPs breastfeeding in their workplace, and I’ve certainly had the privilege to be able to breast feed/pump at work or in meetings. However, this isn’t true for all. One of my postgraduate students struggled to find a place to pump milk at the university – we don’t currently provide good spaces for women to practice what we’re asking them to do.

Reference: N Z Med J. 2017;130(1466):34-44

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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