Analysis on the current situation of twin breastfeeding and its influencing factors

Abstract

Studies have found that exclusive breastfeeding can not only promote the growth and development of infants, but also increase the emotional communication between mothers and infants, and reduce the incidence of maternal breast diseases. To analysis the current situation and influencing factors of breastfeeding twins. A total of 420 twin mothers delivered in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected to investigate the situation of breastfeeding within 6 months after delivery. An electronic questionnaire was conducted, and clinical information were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to analyze the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 21.90%; in the exclusive breastfeeding group, the age <35 years old, bachelor degree or above, rural areas, no nipple depression or flat, no breast distension, no postpartum depression, adequate breast milk, participation in health education during pregnancy, husband support for breastfeeding, no infant feeding difficulties, infant diarrhea, lactose intolerance and return to milk were 96.74%, 53.26%, 65.22%, 80.43%, 76.09%, 80.43%, 73.91%, 63.04%, 69.57%, 71.74%, 65.22%, 70.65%, and 66.30%, respectively. It was significantly higher than that in the non-exclusive breastfeeding group (P < .05). The score of Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was (8.08 ± 1.03) in the exclusive breastfeeding group, which was significantly lower than that in the non-exclusive breastfeeding group (P < .001), while the score of Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was (67.32 ± 9.92), which was significantly higher than that in the non-exclusive breastfeeding one(P < .001). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, nipple depression or flat, breast tenderness, postpartum depression, breast milk volume, health education training during pregnancy, husband support for breastfeeding, PSSS score, infant diarrhea, lactose intolerance, and delectation were the influencing factors of exclusive breastfeeding (P < .001). Our findings suggest that various factors were associated with a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in twin births, such as age, educational level, and social support. Corresponding measures should be formulated for intervention to promote exclusive breastfeeding.