The main findings of this study were that half of all infants were fed with tiny tastings already in the fourth month and that the earlier the infant started with tiny tastings, the earlier they ate larger amounts of solid food. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, five factors were identified as having a negative effect on the duration of breastfeeding: the infant’s age at the introduction of tiny tastings, low maternal age, low level of maternal education, high maternal BMI, and twin birth.
The Swedish recommendation of tiny tasting from four months of age is contradicting to the WHO recommendation (1) and the impact on breastfeeding has not been studied before. This study shows negative effects on breastfeeding duration. To recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months could help scaling up breastfeeding and generate benefits besides those of the breastmilk itself, since breastmilk intake among children is associated with lower odds of consuming non-recommended foods, such as cookies, crackers, and sweetened drinks (15, 16). Instead, Nutrition Committees continue to emphasize introduction of solids from four months (17). One common concern about exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the risk for iron-deficiency anemia. However, the risk can be successfully mitigated by delayed umbilical-cord clamping (18).
Conflicting advices and non-evidence-based recommendations have a negative effect on breastfeeding (12). In many ways, it can be perplexing for women to breastfeed in a society that is not infused by a favorable attitude toward breastfeeding. Consequently, breastmilk substitutes have become a “multi-billion dollar industry” that has the opportunity to devote considerable financial resources influencing women not to breastfeed (19).
Socioeconomic factors with an impact on breastfeeding
The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that low maternal age and low education had a negative impact on breastfeeding. In previous studies, several socioeconomic factors have shown an association with a shorter period of breastfeeding. For example, mothers with less privileged economic situation and less education have a shorter duration of breastfeeding (20, 21) and mothers with lower age breastfeed for fewer months (21, 22). This contributes to unequal starting points for children, already from birth. Thus, it should be in focus for targeted interventions from the Child Health Care in order to promote equal health. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals obligate governments to promote healthy lives and welfare for all. This makes breastfeeding a central part of the 2030 Agenda, since it contributes to the achievement of an equal, healthy, fair, affluent, and sustainable future for both people and the planet (23).
Obesity and breastfeeding
This study showed that high BMI in the mother was a significant factor for shorter duration of breastfeeding. Maternal obesity is linked to many risks, and one of them is lower initiation rate of breastfeeding and also a greater risk of early breastfeeding cessation (24). It has been suggested that the causes can be a mix of physiological, behavioral, sociocultural, psychological, and medical reasons. For example, obese women can have higher progesterone levels which may impair lacto genesis. Furthermore, large breasts may lead to problems for the infant to latch on, and the obese mother may lack confidence in the breastfeeding situation because of low body image (25).
Less breastfeeding among twins
Another factor identified as showing a negative effect on the duration of breastfeeding in the multivariate linear regression analysis was twin births. Women who have given birth to twins face special challenges, and breastfeeding rates are lower among these infants (26). The reasons for weaning twins, according to the mothers, are insufficient milk supply and infants’ problematic breastfeeding behavior (27). This indicates that mothers of twins need targeted breastfeeding support that takes into account these mothers’ unique situation.
Strengths and limitations
This study was the first to investigate the impact of tiny tastings on breastfeeding. Data were provided from a large number of mothers (n=1,260), and the sample represents different geographical areas including both high and low socioeconomic statuses. The question measuring breastfeeding duration (exclusive and partial) is very detailed, consequently, it may be more reliable than the Swedish national data (9),eventhough the retrospective data this is a limitation, because memories might be less accurate. Conversely, the study design cannot provide causes, rather, it shows associations. The response rate for the follow-up (Q3, n=1,251), compared with baseline data (a total of 3,389 women completed and returned Q1), was lower. In addition, there might be selection bias since the study design excluded non-Swedish speaking parents.