Only about a third of new mothers breast-feed their child for as long as they intend, according to a study.

According to recommendations by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, mothers should breast-feed exclusively (only breast milk and medications or micronutrient supplements, but no other liquids or solids) for about the first six months of their infant’s life. Previous studies showed most mothers in the U.S. do not exclusively breast-feed their infants for six months, but little was known about how long mothers had planned to breast-feed.

In the new study, scheduled for publication in the July issue of Pediatrics, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed pregnant women about their intentions for exclusive breast-feeding and then followed up with monthly surveys over the next year.

The study authors found 85% of mothers who planned to exclusively breast-feed intended to do so for three months or longer. However, only 32.4% of mothers exclusively breast-fed for as long as they intended.

Mothers who were married and who already had a previous baby were more likely to breast-feed as long as they had planned. Other factors that improved the chances a mother would meet her goals included beginning breast-feeding within an hour of birth and not receiving supplemental formula feedings or pacifiers in the hospital.

Mothers who were obese, smoked or had a longer intended breast-feeding duration were less likely to meet their intention.

The authors concluded that increasing Baby-Friendly Hospital practices, particularly giving only breast milk in the hospital, may help more mothers breast-feed for as long as they intend.

To read the study abstract and access the study via subscription or purchase, visit http://bit.ly/M4pDcs.