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Breastfeeding Intention and Breastfeeding Postpartum Outcomes between High-Risk and Low-Risk Pregnant Women: A Greek Prospective Cohort Study

Author

Listed:
  • Panagiota Brani

    (Department of Midwifery, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Irina Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou

    (Department of Psychology, National & Kapodistrian University of Greece, 15784 Athens, Greece)

  • Fani Pechlivani

    (Department of Midwifery, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Maria Iliadou

    (Department of Midwifery, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Evangelia Antoniou

    (Department of Midwifery, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Georgios Daskalakis

    (First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece)

  • Peter Drakakis

    (Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece)

  • Maria Dagla

    (Department of Midwifery, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Background: This prospective cohort study, conducted from pregnancy to six months postpartum and grounded in STROBE methodology, quantitatively explores the relationship between antenatal breastfeeding intentions and subsequent breastfeeding outcomes among high-risk pregnant women, compared to a low-risk pregnancy group. Methods: The study was conducted in one of the largest public hospitals in Attica that provides care to pregnant women, enrolling 380 participants divided into high-risk ( n = 200) and low-risk ( n = 180) cohorts. Data were collected over 20 months (starting from the end of May 2020 until January 2022), spanning from pregnancy to six months postpartum, via comprehensive questionnaires. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a pronounced correlation between prenatal breastfeeding intentions and actual breastfeeding behaviors across both groups. Specifically, 81.1% of women in the high-risk group and 82.5% in the low-risk group expressed intentions of exclusively breastfeeding during pregnancy. By six months postpartum, 54.9% of the high-risk and 64.3% of the low-risk pregnancy group managed to sustain breastfeeding. Extended antenatal hospitalization emerged as a statistically significant factor ( p = 0.045) negatively impacting exclusive breastfeeding intentions among high-risk pregnancies. Conclusion: The findings illuminate the critical influence of antenatal intentions on breastfeeding outcomes, particularly among high-risk pregnancies. Moreover, the study identifies the detrimental effect of prolonged hospital stays on breastfeeding aspirations. These insights underscore the necessity for nuanced, supportive interventions aimed at bolstering breastfeeding rates, thereby advancing maternal and neonatal health objectives aligned with World Health Organization recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Panagiota Brani & Irina Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou & Fani Pechlivani & Maria Iliadou & Evangelia Antoniou & Georgios Daskalakis & Peter Drakakis & Maria Dagla, 2024. "Breastfeeding Intention and Breastfeeding Postpartum Outcomes between High-Risk and Low-Risk Pregnant Women: A Greek Prospective Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:755-:d:1411742
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrea Gila-Díaz & Gloria Herranz Carrillo & Ángel Luis López de Pablo & Silvia M. Arribas & David Ramiro-Cortijo, 2020. "Association between Maternal Postpartum Depression, Stress, Optimism, and Breastfeeding Pattern in the First Six Months," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Maria Dagla & Irina Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou & Marilena Vogiatzoglou & Anastasia Giamalidou & Eleni Tsolaridou & Marianna Mavrou & Calliope Dagla & Evangelia Antoniou, 2021. "Association between Breastfeeding Duration and Long-Term Midwifery-Led Support and Psychosocial Support: Outcomes from a Greek Non-Randomized Controlled Perinatal Health Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Desirée Mena-Tudela & Francisco Javier Soriano-Vidal & Rafael Vila-Candel & José Antonio Quesada & Cristina Martínez-Porcar & Jose M. Martin-Moreno, 2023. "Is Early Initiation of Maternal Lactation a Significant Determinant for Continuing Exclusive Breastfeeding up to 6 Months?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11, February.
    4. Declercq, E. & Labbok, M.H. & Sakala, C. & O'Hara, M., 2009. "Hospital practices and women's likelihood of fulfilling their intention to exclusively breastfeed," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(5), pages 929-935.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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