Factors Related to the Discontinuation of Breastfeeding in Mothers of Infants Under Six Months of Age

Abstract

The premature discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains a global challenge despite its many benefits. The objective of this study was to describe the factors associated with the discontinuation of EBF at a public hospital in Tlaxcala, Mexico. A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 49 women with children under six months of age. The Survey of Factors Associated with the Discontinuation of Breastfeeding was administered. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was found that 63.3% of the participants were breastfeeding at the time of the study. The main reason for discontinuation was the perception of insufficient milk supply (50%; n = 9), and most discontinuations (61.1%; n = 11) occurred during the infant’s first month of life. Although 89.8% received prenatal counseling, barriers related to maternal fear and postpartum follow-up persist. The first month of life is the period of greatest vulnerability for the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. It is concluded that maternal perceptions and the continuity of professional support are determining factors in the continuation of the practice.