Maternal smoking and breastfeeding

A 2-month study was undertaken to investigate the effects of maternal smoking on breastfeeding. A total of 500 mothers were interviewed twice postpartum and information about maternal smoking and sociodemographic factors was collected. After adjustment for maternal smoking and other confounders, results suggested that smoking had a direct effect on breastfeeding. The prevalence of breastfeeding reduced significantly among smokers but there was no significant reduction among non-smokers. Education and social class were related positively to continued breastfeeding but negatively to smoking. Because breastfeeding decreased with smoking, smoking should be discouraged, particularly in developing countries where breastfeeding constitutes an essential child survival measure.