• Viktorija Zitkute, Vilija Snieckuviene, Jolita Zakareviciene, Aurelija Pestenyte, Vaidile Jakaite, and Diana Ramasauskaite.
• Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania.
• Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 May 9; 56 (5).

AbstractObjectives: to identify the main reasons of breastfeeding cessation in Lithuania and if there is a link between the length of maternity leave and breastfeeding cessation. Methods: a prospective questionnaire study was conducted in a tertiary hospital from 2016 to 2017. The sample size included 449 women. Results: a total of 41% (n = 123) of respondents weaned off by 6 months after birth, and 57.8% (n = 173) between 6 months and 1 year. During the first few days after delivery, mothers did not breastfeed their infants mainly due to shortage of milk (n = 10; 40%) or separation from their baby due to infant health problems (n = 12; 48%) (p < 0.0001). Mothers who did not breastfeed during the first days after birth more often did not start breastfeeding later at home (p = 0.001). Going back to work was not a significant factor in weaning off. Conclusions: breastfeeding initiation and practice during the first few days after birth has a significant impact on the further commitment for full breastfeeding. Additionally, a perceived lack of support and help from both doctors and midwives influences a woman's decision to choose not to breastfeed.

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