Breastfeeding Promotion and Support at Child Daycare Centers: Current Scenario in Five Argentine Provinces

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: There is a growing need, particularly for socially vulnerable families, to attend a child daycare center. Breastfeeding has well-established benefits to the baby and the mother, particularly in the context of social disadvantage. Although breastfeeding is a right, no information is available regarding the degree of breastfeeding promotion and support at child daycare centers in Argentina. Research aim: To describe knowledge, policies, operational conditions and staff training needs for the promotion and support of breastfeeding practices at child daycare centers in Argentina. Method: Exploratory cross-sectional quantitative study using a self-administered survey sent to respondents via email. All 24 provinces of Argentina were invited to participate. A list of provincial child daycare centers was obtained and a survey was sent to the directors of those centers where data were collected about infrastructure and resources, policies, staff training and breastfeeding promotion practices. Results: Five provinces participated. Sixty-four percent (73/114) of centers responded the survey provided. Eighty-two percent have a breastfeeding room. Twenty-nine percent receive breast milk. Only 20% train their staff on breast milk handling. Only 5% have breastfeeding policies in place. Conclusion: Although there is an adequate national regulatory framework, there is still a need to work on the implementation of concrete measures to guarantee the right to breastfeed in the specific setting of child daycare centers.