Follow-up Evaluations and Outcome Measures
The mothers were interviewed by telephone at 6 and 12 months after birth using a questionnaire recommended by the WHO to obtain information on full (exclusive plus predominant) and complementary (any consumption of breast milk after the introduction of other fluids and solid foods) breastfeeding.15 The questionnaire investigated the type of feeding in the preceding 24 hours, the problems and the difficulties that the mothers had had with lactation, and the support with breastfeeding that they had received by family members and health professionals. The main outcome of the study was the prevalence of full breastfeeding at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of mothers who reported to have perceived that their milk was not sufficient, who stopped breastfeeding because of difficulties and problems, and who reported to have received relevant help with breastfeeding from their partners. Also the prevalence of any breastfeeding at 12 months was investigated.