Abstract

CACERES FERNANDEZ, William et al. Variables influencing on the behavior of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.3, pp. 245-252. ISSN 0864-2125.

Introduction: exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age is considered ideal for the newborn feeding, as it has been shown to guarantee growth and development, it prevents common diseases in childhood and adulthood, and it provides multiple benefits for children and mothers. Objective: to determine some variables influencing the behavior of exclusive breastfeeding up to six month of age of the newborn life. Methods: a retrospective descriptive study was conducted through the application of a survey of 56 mothers whose children were 6 months old in four family practices at Heroes of Moncada clinic from January to December 2012. The necessary data from each mother and child were taken by applying a survey and a form prepared for this purpose was filled in with these data. Results: the group of mothers aged 20-35 maintained exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age. This was the predominant group (73.2%). 21.4% were mothers with university education, who had more knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding. 42.3% of cases exclusive breastfeeding was interrupted due to the mother return to work. Children who stopped breastfeeding got sick more frequently. Conclusions: there are threatening factors to maintain exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age in the newborn such as age ranges (younger than 20 or older than 35), the low cultural level, and the need to return to work, that.

Keywords : breastfeeding; newborn; maternal and child health; nutrition.

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