Table 3

Reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding before four months

Research site

Breast milk 'insufficient' (%)

Mother returning to work (%)

Maternal or child illness (%)

Breast problems (%)

Mother dislikes or feels uncomfortable with breastfeeding (%)

Other reasons (%)

Beijing** (n = 397, 1989–1991, [23])

8.3

13.6

18.4

32.2

27.50

Beijing** (n = 387, 1991–1994, [23])

8.8

19.4

14.0

6.9

35.0

15.90

Beijing** (n = 148, 1995–1997, [24])

34.5

25.0

19.6

4.1

13.5

3.30

Beijing** (n = 148, 1995–1998, [24])

47.3

20.4

16.2

5.4

10.70

Shanghai* (n = 152, [57])

49.3

21.7

15.8

3.9

9.30

Shanghai* (n = 131, [86])

41.2

37.4

9.1

9.9

2.40

Shanghai**(n = 86, [86])

59.3

15.1

15.1

1.2

9.30

Kunming* (n = 140, [65])

48.6

4.3

4.3

5.0

37.80

Zhejiang** rural area (n = 153, 1996, [72])

52.9

5.2

9.1

6.5

26.30

Jiangsu** (n = 235, 1996–1997, [68])

41.3

28.1

22.6

8.00

Sichuan** (n = 148, 2001, [88])

13.5

31.1

24.3

31.10

* Reasons for discontinuation of 'exclusive breastfeeding'

** Reasons for discontinuation of 'any breastfeeding'

Xu et al. International Breastfeeding Journal 2009 4:6   doi:10.1186/1746-4358-4-6