Documented In-Hospital Lactation Support and Exclusive Breastfeeding During the Postpartum Stay

How is hospital-based lactation support associated with exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay? In this cross-sectional study of electronic health records of 22 857 patients who intended to breastfeed, more documented in-hospital breastfeeding support was associated with the probability of exclusive breastfeeding. Documentation of breastfeeding support and probability of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with patient demographic and clinical characteristics, with significant differences by feeding intention, race and ethnicity, interpreter need, age, marital status, payer, body mass index, current smoking, birth method, gestational age, and low birth weight. This study suggests that ensuring equitable in-hospital postpartum lactation care may close gaps in unequal breastfeeding outcomes.

Corresponding Author: Tiffany T. Gallagher, PhD, IBCLC, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (jens0490@umn.edu).

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