ANALYSIS OF THE INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BREASTFEEDING AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN LEÓN

Abstract

Introduction. World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months old and after with complementary feeding until 2 years old or beyond. Different organisms promote the recovery of breastfeeding, because human milk provides the nutrients for proper growth and development, as well as numerous benefits for the health of the infant and the mother. 

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of contact with breastfeeding and artificial lactation, at birth and during the stay of newborns in the “Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León”. To determine how long the breastfeeding is maintained after the medical discharge, at home, and the factors that cause early weaning. 

Material and methods. Descriptive and longitudinal observational study. 185 newborns were studied, at birth and 7 years later, to include prolonged lactations. The mothers were interviewed in the hospital and later by phone. The quantitative variables were described with the mean and standard deviation, and the qualitative variables with number and percentages. For the statistical analysis of the qualitative variables, the Chi-square test was used. 

Results. 72.5% of the newborns had their first contact with the breastfeeding in the hospital, but only 21.1% received exclusive breastfeeding. 74.4% of the mothers opted for the breastfeeding, after discharge, for an average of 11.4 months. 

Conclusions. Although the newborns contacted in their first days of life, with formula milk, the exclusive breastfeeding, once the definitive milk was established, is successful and durable in a high number of cases.