Exclusive Breastfeeding at Discharge in Regional New South Wales, Australia: The Role of Antenatal Care (2011–2020)

Emma Woolley (), Gretchen Buck, Jackie Jackson, Rebekah Bowman, Louise Fox, Shirlena Gallagher, Malindey Sorrell and Pramesh Raj Ghimire
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Emma Woolley: Integrated Care and Allied Health, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
Gretchen Buck: Integrated Care and Allied Health, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
Jackie Jackson: Integrated Care and Allied Health, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
Rebekah Bowman: Nursing and Midwifery, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
Louise Fox: Integrated Care and Allied Health, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
Shirlena Gallagher: People and Culture, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
Malindey Sorrell: The Family Place, Moruya, NSW 2537, Australia
Pramesh Raj Ghimire: Integrated Care and Allied Health, Southern New South Wales Local Health District, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: Increasing the number of infants exclusively breastfeeding on discharge from the hospital after birth is a key goal of breastfeeding policy in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Despite consistent efforts, exclusive breastfeeding on discharge rates have declined over the past decade. Using pooled data from the New South Wales Perinatal Data Collection from 2011 to 2020, we examined the association between antenatal care (ANC) and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge from birth admission outcomes for mother–baby dyads in Southern New South Wales Local Health District (SNSWLHD). Our study confirmed that exclusive breastfeeding rates in SNSWLHD have declined over the past decade, providing local evidence to support action. Late entry to ANC and a failure to attend the recommended number of ANC visits were important predictors of a lower rate of exclusive breastfeeding on discharge. Improving accessibility to ANC visits for rural and regional mothers has potential to positively impact breastfeeding rates in SNSWLHD. We suggest that wider implementation of caseload midwifery models may have a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes in the region for all mother–baby dyads, but particularly for Aboriginal mothers and infants, younger mothers and mothers experiencing disadvantage.

Keywords: antenatal care; perinatal care; breastfeeding; exclusive breastfeeding; maternal health; New South Wales; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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