The impact of smoking during pregnancy on breastfeeding duration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.1124Keywords:
Breast Feeding; Public Health; Pregnancy; Smoking; Smoking CessationAbstract
Aim: To examine the association between smoking during pregnancy and the duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among 150 mothers of children up to two years of age in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. Data were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire, and statistical analysis included descriptive and nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn post hoc).
Results: Mothers who completely quit smoking during pregnancy breastfed longer (median 13 months) and exclusively breastfed longer (median 4 months) compared to mothers who only reduced cigarette consumption (median 2 and 1 months; p<0.05). Reducing the number of cigarettes without complete cessation had no significant positive effect on breast feeding duration.
Conclusion: Complete smoking cessation during pregnancy is associated with longer breastfeeding, whereas reduction alone is not beneficial. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions for smoking cessation and breastfeeding support in prenatal and postnatal care.
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