Abstract
ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To describe feeding practices and the risk factors for the mixed breastfeeding and early weaning in the neonatal period.METHODS Cohort study, which we collected socioeconomic, demographic, health care and feeding data from 415 mother/child binomials born in four public maternity hospitals in Natal/Brazil. They were followed-up at 48 hours, 7 and 28 days after birth. The association was established using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Poisson’s regression, after adjusting it to other variables.RESULTS The prevalence of mixed breastfeeding in the first 2 days was 47,2% and early weaning in 7 and 28 days was 8,4% and 16,2% in that order. The main reasons for mixed breastfeeding and early weaning were: colostrum deficiency (33.8%), difficulty in latching/sucking (23.5%) and “little milk” (70.0%). The use of formula/milk/porridge remained associated with maternal age ≤ 20 years (RR = 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47–0.86), age 20–29 years (RR = 0,70; 95%CI: 0,57–0,87), primiparity (RR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.11–1.60) and cesarean delivery (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.00–1.45) at 2 days; absence of paternal support (RR = 4.98; 95%CI: 2.54–9.79) and pacifier use (RR = 3.21; 95%CI: 1.63–6.32) at 7 days; and only pacifier use (RR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.53–4.02) at 28 days.CONCLUSIONS Early weaning was associated with maternal and health care factors, thus suggesting the need to readjust good practices and educational actions to achieve the exclusive offer to the maternal breast in the neonatal period.
Highlights
In the neonatal period (0 to 28 days), there is great biological and social vulnerability
Early weaning was associated with maternal and health care factors, suggesting the need to readjust good practices and educational actions to achieve the exclusive offer to the maternal breast in the neonatal period
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the best food to be offered to the newborn in the neonatal period; and, when extended to 6 months, it is associated with suitable nutritional status, reduction of infections and lower mortality
Summary
In the neonatal period (0 to 28 days), there is great biological and social vulnerability For this reason, feeding has a fundamental effect on the child’s nutritional status, growth and development[1]. From this perspective, feeding practices, which are influenced by social, cultural, and economic issues, are based on the knowledge of healthy food choices, preparation methods, time, opportune moment, environment, frequency and how to offer food to the newborn[2]. The prevalence of this practice has grown in recent decades, there is a trend toward stabilization in many countries[3,4,5] These data are targets of the WHO, which plans to raise these rates to 50% by the year 2025.3
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
