By Lara Salahi Globe Correspondent

Only one-third of mothers who intend to breastfeed for at least the first three months of their infant's life actually do, according to results from a nationwide mail survey of new mothers, administered by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nearly 1,500 of the more than 3,000 women in their third trimester who were asked about their feeding plans said they intended to exclusively breastfeed. Of those women, more than 85 percent reported they intended to exclusively breastfeed for at least three months. Monthly follow-up surveys of that 85 percent during the next year found that only 32 percent of them followed through.

The study suggests that even with hospitals promoting exclusive breastfeeding — providing breast milk only and eliminating pacifiers — many women give up on exclusive breastfeeding upon leaving the hospital.

BOTTOM LINE: A majority of the mothers surveyed who intend to exclusively breastfeed do not follow through upon leaving the hospital.

CAUTIONS: The study did not look at other factors outside of the hospitals, such as poor workplace or environmental support, which may have led some women to stop exclusive breastfeeding. The data was collected from a consumer opinion mail survey so the findings may not represent all women.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Pediatrics, June issue

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