[Prevalence and duration of breast-feeding: its influences on the weight and the morbidity].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and the average length of Lactation. To describe the development of the weight during the first year of life and the demand of paediatric consultations in relation to the type of lactation.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was done using retrospective data. There was gathered a random sample of clinical histories of born children between years 2000 and 2005. There was estimated the prevalence of breast-feeding from the beginning until three and six months. An index of global desertion was elaborated. The average weight and the number of paediatric consultations were related to the type of lactation.


RESULTS
The children initiate exclusive breastfeeding (MEL) in a 63.5% (CI 95%: 58.6-64.5). 22.6% amount them (IC 95%: 18.4-26.9) remained it until six months age. After three months of MEL 43.4% of the subjects gave up exclusively lactation. At the age of six months only 33.6% remained with MEL. Mixed form of lactation (MTL) was kept in 80.5% of the subjects (IC 95%: 75.4-84.6). Children included in the program of MTL (exclusive or mixed) have a minor index of desertion (26.5% and 54.4% up to three and six months, respectively). A higher weight was detected in children with mixed lactation. Those on the MEL up to six months consulted the paediatrician 4.5 times a year, whereas children with artificial lactation did it 6.5 times during their first year of life. There were statistically significant differences found (p < 0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
Percentage of lactation in the group studied is far from recommended levels (WHO). Exclusive breastfeeding (MEL) entails a suitable weight development, as well as a minor morbidity in the first year of life.
Morán Rodríguez
M
M
Centro de Salud de San Andrés del Rabanedo, San Andrés del Rabanedo, España. mmoran@gaple03.sacyl.es
Naveiro Rilo
J C
JC
Blanco Fernández
E
E
Cabañeros Arias
I
I
Rodríguez Fernández
M
M
Peral Casado
A
A
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics; D015430:Weight Gain