Beschreibung:
The current study is from a larger project describing factors influencing breastfeeding outcomes. The sample included expectant mothers planning to breastfeed at least one month. Demographic data and infant feeding plans were collected prenatally. Infant feeding patterns and sources of infant formula samples were obtained at one month postpartum. Most subjects were White (87%), educated beyond high school (75%), married (75%) and planning exclusive breastfeeding (82%). Although all 61 mothers initiated breastfeeding, only 69% continued to one month. Subjects received formula samples from the hospital (66%), mail (67%), and physician's office (16%). Controlling for feeding plan, there were no significant correlations between any or exclusive breastfeeding at one month and formula samples from the hospital, mail or physician's office (P > .05). These findings suggest formula samples are frequently distributed to women planning breastfeeding. Furthermore, women with characteristics related to breastfeeding success (White, well‐educated, married, and planning exclusive breastfeeding) may be less susceptible to the negative influence of samples than the general breastfeeding population.