Factors influencing the initiation and duration of breastfeeding among low-income women followed by the Canada prenatal nutrition program in 4 regions of quebec.

The factors that influence the actual initiation and duration of breastfeeding were studied among low-income women followed by the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP). A group of 196 pregnant women were selected at random from a sample of 6223 pregnant women who registered with the CPNP. Two 24-hour recalls and information regarding lifestyle habits, peer support, and infant-feeding practices were obtained between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation and 21 days and 6 months after birth. Women who received a university education (completed or not completed) versus women with < or = high school education (odds ratio [OR], 8.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-69.50), women born outside Canada (OR,8.81; 95% CI, 3.34-23.19), and women of low birth weight infants (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.96) were more likely to initiate breastfeeding. Late introduction of solid foods (P = .004), nonsmoking (P = .005), multiparity (P = .012), and a higher level of education (P = .049) were positively associated with the duration of breastfeeding among initiators. Understanding factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding among low-income women is critical to better target breastfeeding promotion.

[Mediation and adjustment of the rupture of the union: the impact of Quebec law on family mediation]. / La médiation et l'ajustement à la rupture d'union: l'impact de la loi québécoise concernant la médiation familiale.

In September 1997, a new family mediation law came into force in Quebec. This law allows couples with children to be provided with the services of a professional mediator while their application for separation, divorce, child custody, spousal or child support is being negotiated and settled or an existing decision is being reviewed. This article presents and discusses the results of a study that compares the practices and results of family mediation under this law with the previous situation. According to the data, the law provides greater access to mediation for low-income couples.