The association between breastfeeding supportive services during childbirth hospitalization and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge

Abstract Background Breast milk is the ideal food to meet all nutrients needs for a baby’s healthy growth and development. The status of breastfeeding supportive services in Baby-Friendly Hospitals and their role in influencing mothers’ breastfeeding practice in Shanghai, China is less understood. The aim of this study was to explore the association between breastfeeding supportive services provided by Baby-Friendly Hospitals around childbirth and exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge. Methods This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, conducted in eight Baby-Friendly Hospitals in Shanghai between October 2015 and January 2017. The breastfeeding supportive services during hospitalization were assessed using a 12-question questionnaire based on the evaluation criteria of Baby-Friendly Hospitals. In total 707 mothers completed the survey. Results The overall exclusive breastfeeding rate among participants was 34.4% at discharge. Mothers who received more breastfeeding supportive services during hospitalization were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding at discharge compared with mothers who received less services (aOR: 3.00; 95% CI: 2.08, 4.35; p < 0.001). Conclusion Better breastfeeding supportive services during hospitalization was significantly associated with higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. More effective measures should be adopted to improve the breastfeeding supportive services in line with the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative’s Ten Steps to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding and better maternal and child health.