Influences on Breastfeeding Rates in Low Income Communities in Ontario

The purpose of this paper was to identify factors associated with breastfeeding among mothers of children born in 1994 in five of the low income communities participating in the longitudinal prevention initiative "Better Beginnings, Better Futures." Household income was < or = poverty line for 76%, 63% had completed high school or beyond, and 29% were born outside of Canada. The breastfeeding initiation rate was 77% (380 of 493). Of the 270 women who initiated breastfeeding and were interviewed up to five months postpartum, 63% continued for at least three months. Women with higher education, married, not experiencing financial stress and who attended prenatal classes were more likely to initiate breastfeeding. Continuation of breastfeeding was associated with older age, higher education, not smoking, and participation in a home visitor program. Breastfeeding promotion strategies should include ongoing support as well as education components.