BackgroundRecent research on religion and breastfeeding from a low-income, urban sample in the United States found that religious affiliation and religious attendance were associated with breastfeeding initiation.PurposeWe assessed the relationship between religion (religious affiliation and religious attendance) and breastfeeding (initiation and duration) in a nationally representative prospective cohort study. We examined whether education and other sociodemographic characteristics mediated or moderated relationships.MethodsUsing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (n = 3,719), we regressed breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding duration for first births on religious affiliation and religious attendance, comparing conservative Protestants to other religious groups. Sociodemographic characteristics were explored as potential mediators or moderators of relationships. ResultsOther than Black Protestants, all religious groups reported higher odds of breastfeeding initiation compared to conservative Protestants (odds ratios = 1.43–3.01; all P < .01). All groups also breastfed longer than conservative Protestants, with the exception of Black Protestants and Catholics. Educational attainment explained breastfeeding initiation differences with the exception of nonaffiliates and “other” religious affiliates. Educational attainment also explained religious group breastfeeding duration differences with the exception of nonaffiliates. In our final models, regular religious attendance was not directly associated with breastfeeding, but it magnified the breastfeeding duration advantage seen among mothers who had a later age at first birth.ConclusionsThe role of educational attainment in explaining breastfeeding differences between conservative Protestants and other groups suggests educational interventions may be beneficial within this population.
Breastfeeding and the Role of Maternal Religion: Results from a National Prospective Cohort Study
