The situation and influencing factors of breastfeeding in Zhoushan from 2002 to 2015

Objective To describe the breastfeeding rate in Zhoushan from 2002 to 2015, and explore potential factors that might have influence on breastfeeding.Methods Data were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record System of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital from 2002 to 2015. Logistic regression model was performed to analyze the associations between breastfeeding and various factors.Results Breastfeeding rate in the first, third or sixth month postpartum showed a declined trend prior to 2011, after that, showed a moderate increment on breastfeeding rate. After adjustment for follow-up year and corresponding variables, mothers from urban areas had higher breastfeeding rate in the first, third and ninth month postpartum than those from rural areas. Mothers with higher educational level had higher breastfeeding rate in the first and third month postpartum, but had lower rate in the ninth month than those with educational level under junior school. Mothers of mental workers had higher breastfeeding rate in the sixth, ninth and twelfth month than those did physical work. Macrosomia had higher breastfeeding rate in the sixth and ninth month than those with normal birth weight. Cesarean, preterm, low birth weight, primiparas, and puerperae under 25 or above 30 years old were risk factors for breastfeeding. Children born in winter or spring had lower breastfeeding rate in the first, third and sixth month compared with those born in summer or fall. Gender of fetus generally showed no influence on breastfeeding rate except in the third month, with female infants had a slightly higher breastfeeding rate.Conclusions Mothers from urban areas, mothers of mental workers, and macrosomia were protective factors of breastfeeding. Higher maternal educational level was a protective factor in the first and third month, but turned into a risk factor in the ninth month. Cesarean, preterm, low birth weight, primiparas, and puerperae who under 25 or above 30 years old, children born in winter or spring were risk factors for breastfeeding.