Predictors and Consequences of In-hospital Formula Supplementation for Healthy Breastfeeding Newborns

Background:Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months, the use of breast milk substitutes is widespread around the world.Objectives:To describe the patterns of infant formula supplementation among healthy breastfeeding newborns, to identify factors contributing to in-hospital formula supplementation, and to assess the dose-response relationship between the amount of in-hospital formula supplementation and the duration of any breastfeeding.Methods:A sample of 1246 breastfeeding mother–infant pairs was recruited from 4 public hospitals in Hong Kong and followed prospectively for 12 months or until weaned. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with in-hospital supplementation. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of in-hospital supplementation on breastfeeding duration.Results:Of the total, 82.5% of newborns were supplemented in the hospital; one-half received formula within 5 hours of birth. Assisted vaginal delivery (odds ...