Abstract
Background The optimal frequency, duration, and form of professional lactation support needed to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months have not yet been specifically identified. This study investigates the association between six-month EBF and the frequency, duration, and form (face-to-face vs. telephone contact) of professional lactation support in a cohort of Lebanese mothers, and explores barriers to EBF during the first six months postpartum. Methods An observational study was nested in a breastfeeding support randomized controlled trial. Secondary analysis of data from 159 trial participants who received professional lactation support was conducted. (1) Six-month EBF with professional lactation support frequency, duration, and form was investigated using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. (2) Barriers to breastfeeding were explored using content analysis of narrative data collected about breastfeeding mothers by the lactation experts. Results Six-month EBF was achieved by 57/159 (35.8%) participants. Professional lactation support was received by more mothers continuing six months of EBF (100% vs. 83.3%,p= 0.001). In crude analysis, those mothers had a higher number of overall contacts with lactation experts (mean +/- SD of 9.5 +/- 2.9 vs. 7.0 +/- 4.4,p= 0.001), and longer duration of face-to-face contacts (mean +/- SD of 261.9 +/- 209.1 vs. 201.0 +/- 117.4 minutes,p= 0.035). In adjusted analysis, frequencies of overall and of telephone contacts with the lactation experts were positively associated with six-month EBF (OR = 1.15;95% CI: 1.04 to 1.27,p= 0.007; OR = 1.12;95% CI: 1.00 to 1.26,p= 0.05; respectively). Participants discontinuing EBF early were described as inexperienced, lacking breastfeeding knowledge, concerned about milk insufficiency, and showing negative attitudes towards night feeds. Conclusion Need-based telephone contact augmenting face-to-face professional lactation support may positively influence six-month EBF. Early identification of mothers at risk for early discontinuation of EBF can help tailor interventions specific to their concerns.