Early breastfeeding cessation in rural Senegal:: Causes, modes, and consequences

Objectives. We studied reasons for cessation of breastfeeding before the age of 15 months, replacement feeding modes, and child mortality in West Africa. Methods. Data were gathered for 12 208 children born between 1987 and 1997 in a rural area of Senegal. Interviews were conducted with caregivers of early-weaned children, and child mortality risks were assessed. Results. Fewer than 1% of children had been weaned early. The main reasons for early weaning were maternal death and new pregnancy (in 41% and 27% of cases, respectively). Twenty percent of children had been relactated by a wet nurse, and 16% had received formula. Many early-weaned children died before the age of 2 years (26%), particularly those weaned early as a result of the mother's death (hazard ratio=5.1; 95% confidence interval [Cl]=1.74, 15.0). Girls had a lower hazard ratio than boys (0.16; 95% CI=0.05, 0.41). Conclusions. Our results showed that early cessation of breastfeeding was rare but that associated mortality was high, especially when the mother had died.