Hospital Discharge Bags and Breastfeeding at 6 Months Data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II

Background:Distribution of industry-sponsored formula sample packs to new mothers undermines breastfeeding.Objective:Using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (IFPS II), we aimed to determine whether receipt of 4 different types of bags was associated with exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life.Methods:We extracted data from IFPS II questionnaires. Type of discharge bag received was categorized as “formula bag,” “coupon bag,” “breastfeeding supplies bag,” or “no bag”. We examined exclusive breastfeeding status at 10 weeks (post hoc) and at 6 months using univariate descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression models, controlling for sociodemographic and attitudinal variables.Results:Overall, 1868 (81.4%) of women received formula bags, 96 (4.2%) received coupon bags, 46 (2.0%) received breastfeeding supplies bags, and 284 (12.4%) received no bag. By 10 weeks, recipients of breastfeeding supplies bags or no bag were significantly more likely to be exclusively bre...