Sources of Education About Breastfeeding and Breast Pump Use: What Effect do they Have on Breastfeeding Duration? An Analysis of the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II

To examine the association between breastfeeding duration and sources of education about breastfeeding and breast pumps. We
analyzed data from the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II (n = 2,586), a national longitudinal consumer-based study. We used χ² and ANOVA to contrast categorical and continuous variables, respectively, and logistic regression to model the association
between breastfeeding duration and sources of education about breastfeeding and breast pump use. In unadjusted results, multiple
sources of breastfeeding and breast pump education were significantly associated with breastfeeding duration. However, in
multivariable logistic regression models, there was a negative association between longer breastfeeding duration and receiving
breast pump education from a physician/physician assistant (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.93); and a positive association between
longer breastfeeding duration and receiving breastfeeding education from classes/support group (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.24–2.76)
and receiving breast pump education from friends/relatives (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13–2.55). Although healthcare providers such
as physicians and nurses have regular contact with women, the only statistically significant association between breastfeeding
and breast pump education from healthcare providers and longer breastfeeding duration was a negative one. This likely reflects
time and resource limitations of clinical practice, but may also indicate a need for more consistent training for healthcare
providers who provide breastfeeding and breast pump education. Social supports, such as education from classes/support groups
and friends/relatives demonstrated positive associations with longer breastfeeding duration. This emphasizes the importance
of fostering a positive sphere of influence around breastfeeding women. Future work should also investigate alternative levers
of action, such as policies affecting insurance coverage of breast pumps.