BACKGROUND:
Breastfeeding offers numerous well-established health benefits for mothers and their children. Nevertheless, weaning during the first weeks and months after birth remains common in Western countries. To better support mother-child dyads in maintaining breastfeeding for longer durations, it is crucial to understand the factors that contribute to its continuation and success.

OBJECTIVES:
To identify predictors of successful breastfeeding and compare them across birth places.

METHODS:
We are conducting a prospective cohort study in 81 Swiss maternity units, including hospitals, private clinics, and birth centres. Of approximately n=5,900 eligible women who gave birth during a six-week recruitment phase, nearly n=2,800 agreed to participate so far. Medical data are extracted from clinical records. Additionally, self-completed questionnaires are distributed after birth, with follow-ups at two, six, and twelve months postpartum. Descriptive and multivariable statistics applying weighting methods to ensure the representativeness of results will be used.

RESULTS:
Preliminary findings show that 93% of mothers initiated breastfeeding. Rates of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge vary depending on the type of maternity institution. The identification of predictors associated with breastfeeding success (exclusive or partial breastfeeding, weaning) at birth, as well as at two and six months postpartum, will provide insight into key socio-demographic, perinatal, and care-related determinants relevant to breastfeeding promotion. Furthermore, the prevalence of, and factors associated with continued breastfeeding at twelve months postpartum will contribute to additional knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS:
Predictors for successful breastfeeding will be discussed in the context of midwifery care in the different type of maternity institutions.

KEY MESSAGE:
Understanding factors contributing to successful breastfeeding is essential to providing better support for mothers and their infants. Poster session 1 (Group A)