Title: P1100 BREAST- AND BOTTLE-FEEDING IN THE NETHERLANDS: CHOICES
Abstract: Introduction: Objective. To compare the prevalence of infant feeding between 0–6 months of age and to describe the considerations of mothers deciding to breast or bottle-feed, in respect to the UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiave campaign in the Netherlands in 2000/2001. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Child Health Services selected in areas with various socio-economic statuses handed out a questionnaire during regular child health visits. Results: The response was 68% (n=3.346). Of the Dutch mothers 75% started breastfeeding, 72% continued after one week, 54% after 1 month and 18,5% after six months, the period of the WHO-goal. Combined bottle and breastfeeding was performed in 13% average. If substitute bottle-feeding with breast-feeding occurred, it was usually started within one month, ending breastfeeding rapidly within one week. Mothers considered breastfeeding healthy (64%) or favourable (27%). Bottle-feeding was opted because problems with breastfeeding occurred (60%), going back to work (11%) or due to medial problems (7%). Doctors, midwives or nurses played a more decisive role in switching to bottle-feeding (16%) than in choosing to breastfeed (3%). Conclusion: Since 1996 a constant number of women start breastfeeding (70–75%). Increasing numbers continue breast-feeding after six months (5,5% compared to 18,5%). Support for mothers experiencing problems is desirable; conventional health workers provide little effective support for the prevalence of breastfeeding.