Breastfeeding in Canada: predictors of initiation, exclusivity, and continuation from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey

Human milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants; however, adherence to breastfeeding recommendations is subop-timal and availability of Canadian breastfeeding data are limited. Using the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey Public Use Microdata File (Maternal Experiences Module, n = 5558, weighted n = 1 669 462) we computed breastfeeding indica-tors and explored sociodemographic, health, and geographical predictors of breastfeeding with univariate logistic regression models. Nationally, of all participants who gave birth in the preceding 5 years, 91% initiated breastfeeding, 43% exclusively breastfed to >5 months and 35% to >6 months, 56% reported any breastfeeding at >6 months, and 31% reported breastfeeding at >12 months. Breastfeeding cessation was most commonly attributed to insufficient milk supply (25%), but reasons differed significantly by breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity for >5 months, and extended breastfeeding >12 months all differed by geographic region, and by most sociodemographic and health characteristics. Positive breastfeeding outcomes were highest in British Columbia, and lowest in Quebec and the Atlantic region, and generally higher if caregivers had recently immigrated to Canada, were married, were >30 years of age, were not White, were nonsmoking, had completed postsecondary education, and had an annual household income >$40000. These disparities indicate the need for tailored, equitable approaches to breastfeeding support, and continued regional monitoring of breastfeeding outcomes.

Automated summary

Human milk is the best nutrition source for infants, but breastfeeding rates and available data in Canada are not ideal. Using the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey, breastfeeding indicators were calculated and predictors of breastfeeding were examined. Nationally, 91% initiated breastfeeding, 43% exclusively breastfed for over 5 months, and 35% breastfed for over 6 months. Geographic region, socio-demographic factors, and health characteristics significantly influenced breastfeeding outcomes. Tailored and equitable support is needed, along with ongoing regional monitoring.