Suplementação com fórmula infantil em recém-nascidos nas maternidades brasileiras: análise a partir do estudo Nascer no Brasil / Infant formula supplementation for newborns in brazilian maternity hospitals: an analysis based on the Born in Brazil study

O Passo Seis da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança compreende não dar a recém-nascidos nenhum outro alimento ou bebida além do leite materno, a não ser que haja uma indicação médica. Apesar das diretrizes que justificam o uso apropriado de fórmula infantil na internação pós-parto, é comum sua utilização sem que haja indicação. Tendo em vista a necessidade de reduzir o uso desnecessário de fórmula infantil no pós-parto, este estudo objetivou analisar fatores associados à suplementação com fórmula infantil em recém-nascidos clinicamente estáveis na maternidade. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir de dados amostrais do estudo "Nascer no Brasil", coorte nacional de base hospitalar, realizada entre fevereiro de 2011 e outubro de 2012. Foram selecionados os recém-nascidos encaminhados ao alojamento conjunto após o nascimento. Foram excluídos nascidos de mães com sorologia positiva para o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana, near miss materno, nascidos com malformações congênitas e internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Foram excluídos bebês que utilizaram outros líquidos, pois as indicações de seu uso diferem das indicações de suplementação por fórmula infantil. A amostra final incluiu 14.531 puérperas e recém-nascidos. As variáveis foram selecionadas a partir de um modelo conceitual das variáveis distais, intermediárias e proximais associadas ao desfecho. Foi construído um modelo de regressão logística hierarquizado a partir das variáveis cuja associação com o desfecho apresentaram p-valor ≤ 0,20, com nível de significância de 5% para o modelo final. Foram categorizados os motivos relatados pelas puérperas para seu bebê ter recebido fórmula infantil para análise descritiva e exploratória, verificando-se as proporções através de tabelas de contingência. 21,2% dos recém-nascidos receberam fórmula infantil durante a internação. Fatores associados ao uso de fórmula infantil: idade materna ≥ 35 anos (OR=1,51; IC95%:1,30-1,75), pré-natal em serviço privado (OR=2,22; IC:1,72- 2,85) /serviço público e privado (OR=1,67; IC:1,24-2,23), parto cesáreo (OR=1,83; IC:1,41-2,38), gravidez múltipla (OR=3,786; IC:2,02-7,06), não amamentação na sala de parto (OR=1,780; IC:1,43-2,21), parto em hospital privado (OR=1,695; IC:1,02-2,79), prematuridade (OR= 1,656; IC:1,32-2,06), extremos de peso ao nascer (< 2,500 g: OR=2,084; IC: 1,585-2,741/ ≥4,000g: OR=1,672; IC:1,31-2,11), idade adolescente (OR= 0,651; IC:0,55-0,76), baixo nível de escolaridade materna (OR=0,579; IC:0,43-0,77), multiparidade (OR=0,588; IC:0,510-0,678). Metade do total de razões maternas para uso de fórmula correspondeu a "leite não havia descido/ pouco leite", motivo não aceitável como justificativa para fornecimento de suplemento. Apenas 5,6% corresponderam aos critérios para indicações ou possíveis indicações para a suplementação com fórmula. As razões maternas mais prevalentes são passíveis de intervenção pelos profissionais de saúde, como o aconselhamento e manejo clínico individualizado em amamentação. Dos fatores associados, destacam-se parto cesáreo e a não amamentação na sala de parto, mostrando que é necessário fortalecer políticas que estimulem as boas práticas na assistência ao parto e nascimento, a fim de promover o aleitamento materno exclusivo e proteger mães e recém-nascidos de todas as classes sociais contra o uso indevido de fórmula infantil.

The Step Six of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative involves not giving newborns any food or drink other than breast milk, unless there is a medical indication. Despite the guidelines that justify the appropriate use of infant formula in postpartum hospitalization, its use without indication is common. Considering the need to reduce the unnecessary use of infant formula in the postpartum period, this study aimed to analyze factors associated with infant formula supplementation in clinically stable newborns in the maternity ward. The research was carried out using sample data from the study "Born in Brazil", a national hospital-based cohort, carried out between February 2011 and October 2012. Newborns referred to rooming-in after birth were selected. Infants born to mothers with positive serology for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, maternal near miss, born with congenital malformations and hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit were excluded. Babies who used other liquids were excluded, as the indications for their use differ from the indications for supplementation with infant formula. The final sample included 14,531 postpartum women and newborns. The variables were selected from a conceptual model of distal, intermediate and proximal variables associated with the outcome. A hierarchical logistic regression model was constructed from the variables whose association with the outcome presented p-value ≤ 0.20, with a significance level of 5% for the final model. The reasons reported by the puerperal women for having received infant formula were categorized for descriptive and exploratory analysis, verifying the proportions through contingency tables. 21.2% of newborns received infant formula during hospitalization. Factors associated with the use of infant formula: maternal age ≥ 35 years (OR=1.51; 95%CI:1.30-1.75), prenatal care in a private service (OR=2.22; CI:1.72 - 2.85) / public and private service (OR=1.67; CI:1.24-2.23), cesarean delivery (OR=1.83; CI:1.41-2.38), multiple pregnancy (OR=3.786; CI:2.02-7.06), non-breastfeeding in the delivery room (OR=1.780; CI:1.43-2.21), delivery in a private hospital (OR=1.695; CI:1 .02-2.79), prematurity (OR= 1.656; CI: 1.32-2.06), extremes of birth weight (< 2.500 g: OR=2.084; CI: 1.585-2.741/ ≥4.000g: OR =1.672; CI:1.31-2.11), adolescent age (OR=0.651; CI:0.55-0.76), low maternal education (OR=0.579; CI:0.43-0.77) , multiparity (OR=0.588; IC:0.510-0.678). Half of the total maternal reasons for using formula corresponded to "there was not enough milk/low milk", a reason not acceptable as a justification for providing the supplement. Only 5.6% met the criteria for indications or possible indications for formula supplementation. The most prevalent maternal reasons are subject to intervention by health professionals, such as counseling and individualized clinical management of breastfeeding. Of the associated factors, cesarean delivery and non-breastfeeding in the delivery room stand out, showing that it is necessary to strengthen policies that encourage good practices in childbirth and birth care to promote exclusive breastfeeding and protect mothers and newborns of all social classes against the misuse of infant formula.

Prevalence on the complement in offering food to newborns / Prevalência da oferta de complemento alimentar para o recém-nascido

Abstract Objectives: to identify the prevalence and determining factors of the complements in offering food to newborns. Methods: across-sectional study nested to a cohort study that assessed newborn care in four public maternity hospitals in Natal/Brazil. Sample was composed by 415 mothers and full-term newborns, with appropriate weight for gestational age and Apgar scores in 1st and 5th minutes ≥ 7. In order to analyze the determining factors, we used Poisson's regression. Results: from 415 newborns, 51.3% received feeding complements (57.6% in the first hour of life), of which 92% was infant formula. Only 50.7% of those complement in offering food were prescribed by physicians. Colostrum deficiency was the main reason to be indicated (33.8%). Maternal age ≤ 20 years old (PR=0.64; CI95%=0.47-0.86) and between 2030 years old (PR=0.70; CI95%=0.57-0.87)comparing to women older than 30 were shown as protective factors, while being primiparous (PR=1.37; CI95%=1.11-1.60) and had cesarean section (PR=1.2; CI95%=1.00-1.45) as risk factors. Conclusion: maternal characteristics are associated with the complement in offering food to the newborn in the first hours of life. The high prevalence shows the need for interventions that minimize the inadequate offer of infant formula and promote exclusive breastfeeding before hospital discharge.

Resumo Objetivos: identificar a prevalência e os fatores determinantes da oferta do complemento alimentar para o recém-nascido. Métodos: estudo transversal, aninhado a um estudo de coorte que avaliou a assistência ao neonato em quatro maternidades públicas de Natal/Brasil. Amostra composta de 415 mães, e recém-nascidos à termo, com peso adequado para idade gestacional e Apgar no 1º e 5º minuto ≥ 7. Para analisar os fatores determinantes, foi utilizado a regressão de Poisson. Resultados: dos 415 recém-nascidos, 51,3% receberam complemento (57,6% na primeira hora de vida), dos quais 92% com fórmula infantil. Destes, apenas 50,7% foi prescrito pelo médico. A deficiência de colostro foi o principal motivo de indicação (33,8%). A idade materna ≤ 20 anos (RP=0,64; IC95%=0,47-0,86) e entre 20-30 anos (RP=0,70; IC95%=0,57-0,87, em comparação com mulheres acima de 30 anos, mostrou-se como fator de proteção, enquanto ser primípara (RP=1,37; IC95%=1,11-1,60) e o parto cesárea (RP=1,2; IC95%=1,00-1,45) como fatores de risco. Conclusão: as características maternas e assistenciais estão associadas à oferta de complemento alimentar ao recém-nascido nas primeiras horas de vida. A alta prevalência mostra a necessidade de intervenções que minimizem a oferta inadequada de fórmula infantil, e promovam o aleitamento materno exclusivo antes da alta hospitalar.

Complementary feeding practices in Mexican healthy infants: How close are they to the current guidelines? / Prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos en México: ¿qué tan apegadas se encuentran al consenso actual?

Abstract Background: The foundations for the growth and optimal development of every human being are laid in the first 2 years of life. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to 6 months of age and the introduction of complementary feeding (CF) from this age are considered the preventive interventions with the most significant impact on a child's life. The objective of this study was to determine if pediatricians base their recommendations by following the Guidelines for CF in Healthy Infants (GCFHI) and if mothers have any awareness and knowledge of these recommendations. Methods: Surveys based on the GCFHI were conducted in a group of mothers (n = 377) and pediatricians (n = 104) living in Mexico. Results: Not all pediatricians recommended the EBF, and 76% recommended infant formula before 6 months of age. Regarding mothers, 76.9% practiced the EBF for the first 6 months. Vegetables were the leading starting food of CF suggested by pediatricians and mothers (87% and 91%, respectively), contrasting with food sources of iron (44%), which are the foods of choice according to the GCFHI. The practices performed by the mothers were statistically different from the recommendations of the pediatricians. Conclusions: The results reflect a lack of updating regarding CF. It is imperative to reinforce efforts to maintain the EBF for 6 months and to continue it together with the CF, as well as to promote the beginning of CF based on macro- and micro-nutrients.

Resumen Introducción: En los primeros dos años de vida se crean las bases para el crecimiento y desarrollo óptimo de todo ser humano. La lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) hasta los 6 meses de edad y la introducción de alimentación complementaria (AC) a partir de esta edad están consideradas como las intervenciones preventivas de mayor impacto en la vida de un niño. El presente trabajo evalúa en qué medida los pediatras basan sus recomendaciones en el Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos (CALCS) y si las madres están familiarizadas con estas recomendaciones. Métodos: Se realizaron encuestas para madres (n = 377) y pediatras (n = 104) residentes en México basadas en el CALCS. Resultados: Se detectó que no todos los pediatras recomendaron la LME, y el 76% la complementa con sucedáneos de la leche materna antes de los 6 meses. El 76.9% de las madres practicaron la LME por 6 meses. Las verduras fueron el principal alimento de inicio de AC sugerido por pediatras y madres (87% y 91%, respectivamente), lo que contrasta con alimentos fuente de hierro (44%) que según el CALCS son los alimentos de elección. Las prácticas de las madres tuvieron diferencias significativas con las recomendaciones de los pediatras. Conclusiones: Hay una falta de formación y actualización en esta materia. Es imperativo reforzar los esfuerzos para mantener la LME por 6 meses y continuarla junto con la AC, así como promover el inicio de la AC con base en los macro y micronutrientes.

Fatores relacionados com uma menor duração total do aleitamento materno / Factors associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar fatores relacionados com uma maior duração do aleitamento materno. Realizou-se um estudo caso-controle aninhado em uma coorte de mães que tiveram seus filhos nas duas maiores maternidades públicas de João Pessoa - PB quando eles tinham em torno de dois anos de idade. Os casos foram aquelas que amamentaram até o 15 mês (n = 55) e os controles as que amamentaram por mais de 15 meses (n = 48). As variáveis de exposição foram características socioeconômicas maternas, da gestação e parto e a introdução precoce de alimentação complementar. Aplicou-se o teste Qui-Quadrado para selecionar as variáveis independentes (p-valor <= 0,20) para ingressar em um modelo de regressão logística múltipla, permanecendo no modelo final somente aquelas com p-valor <= 0,05. A introdução precoce de fórmula infantil (OR = 4,71, IC95%: 1,76 - 12,63), de outros leites (OR = 3,25, IC95%: 1,27 - 8,31) e realizar menos de seis consultas pré-natal (OR = 2,73, IC95%: 1,04 - 7,07) foram fatores de risco para a menor duração do aleitamento materno. A introdução precoce de fórmulas infantis ou outros leites pode ser um indicador importante para a adoção de ações de promoção e apoio oportunas para o prolongamento da amamentação para atingir a meta da OMS de aleitamento materno por dois anos ou mais.

Abstract This article seeks to identify the factors associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding. A nested case-control study was carried out with a cohort of mothers for about two years after they gave birth to their children in the two largest public maternity hospitals in João Pessoa - PB. Mothers who breastfed up to 15 months were considered as cases (n = 55) and those who breastfed for more than 15 months (n = 48) were considered controls. The exposure variables were maternal socioeconomic characteristics, gestational characteristics, birth characteristics and early introduction of food. The Chi-Square test was applied to select the independent variables (p-value <= 0.20) to be entered into a multiple logistic regression model, with only those with a p-value <= 0.05 being kept in the final model. The early introduction of infant formula (OR = 4.71, CI95%: 1.76 - 12.63), other milks (OR = 3.25, CI95%: 1.27 - 8.31) and having less than six prenatal consultations (OR = 2.73, CI95%: 1.04 - 7.07) were risk factors for a shorter breastfeeding duration. The early introduction of infant formulas or other milks may be an important indicator for the adoption of appropriate breastfeeding promotion and support actions to achieve the WHO target of breastfeeding for two years or longer.

Amamentação em lactentes nascidos pré-termo após alta hospitalar: acompanhamento durante o primeiro ano de vida / Breastfeeding of preterm newborn infants following hospital discharge: follow-up during the first year of life

Resumo Objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a prevalência de amamentação entre prematuros após a alta hospitalar. Coorte (idade gestacional < 33 semanas) acompanhada até 12 meses (idade corrigida). Variáveis: amamentação, medidas antropométricas, informações sociofamiliares. Calculadas as proporções de amamentação durante o acompanhamento. Realizada análise de sobrevida para estimar a duração da amamentação. Retornaram ao ambulatório 242/258 crianças (93,7%); 170 (69,9%) aos 6 e 139 (57,2%) aos 12 meses (idade corrigida). História de abortos (27,5%), natimortos (11,7%), óbito neonatal (9,5%), partos prematuros (21,1%) em 65,5% das mulheres. Alimentação na alta: 5,5% amamentação exclusiva, 65,8% leite materno e fórmula, 28,6% fórmula. Com 1 mês 81,3% estavam em aleitamento materno, diminuindo para 68,5 % aos 2 meses, 62,4% aos 3 meses, 48,1% aos 4 meses e 22,4% aos 6 meses (idade corrigida). A mediana da duração da amamentação foi de 4 meses. O aleitamento materno ocorreu até os quatro meses de idade corrigida em quase metade da população. Apesar da necessidade de melhorar estas taxas, estes resultados podem refletir o perfil da Unidade, pertencente à Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança. A manutenção do aleitamento materno em lactentes pré-termos após a alta hospitalar continua sendo um desafio, para as mães e para os profissionais de saúde.

Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding among premature infants following hospital discharge. Cohort (< 33 gestation weeks) followed up to 12 months (adjusted age). Variables: breastfeeding, anthropometric measurements, social and family information. The proportion of breastfeeding during follow-up was calculated. Survival analysis was conducted to estimate breastfeeding duration. In total, 242 of the 258 infants (93.7%) returned to follow-up; 170 (69.9%) at 6 months and 139 (57.2%) at 12 months (adjusted age). A history of miscarriages (27.5%), stillbirths (11.7%), neonatal deaths (9.5%) and preterm births (21.1%) was noted in 65.5% of women. At hospital discharge: 5.5% received exclusive breastfeeding, 65.8% breastfeeding and formula, 28.6% formula. At month 1, 81.3% received breastfeeding, decreasing to 68.5% at month 2, 62.4% at month 3, 48.1% at month 4 and 22.4% at month 6 (adjusted age). The median of breastfeeding duration was 4 months. Breastfeeding occurred up to four months adjusted age in almost half of the population. Despite the need to improve these rates, the results could reflect the profile of the Child-Friendly Hospital Initiative Unit. Maintaining breastfeeding amongst preterm infants following hospital discharge is still a challenge, for both mothers and health professionals.

Association between type of feeding at discharge from the hospital and nutritional status of very low birth weight preterm infants

The ideal feeding for premature babies has been the source of extensive debate. The aim of this study was to assess the association between type of feeding at discharge and the nutritional status of very low birth weight infants. This was a retrospective cohort of preterm babies with birth weight ≤1500 g, born between January 2006 and December 2013. The infants were divided into 3 groups according to type of feeding at discharge: exclusive breast milk (group 1), mixed feeding (group 2) and exclusive artificial formula (group 3). Frequencies of each group were calculated, as well as mean Z-score differences in weight, length and head circumference. Six hundred and forty-nine newborns were included. The mean weight of groups 1, 2, and 3 was 1338.7, 1104.0, and 1254.7 g, respectively, and their mean gestational age was 31.9, 30, and 31.2 weeks, respectively. The Z-score differences (means±SD) for groups 1, 2, and 3 were: −0.84±0.68, −1.02±0.75, and −0.86±0.71 for weight, −0.21±1.23, −0.52±1.64 and −0.08±1.34 for head circumference, and −1.10±1.18, −1.54±1.37, and −0.97±1.21 for length. A significant difference was observed between groups 2 and 3 in the adjusted Z-score model for length, with no significant differences in anthropometric measurements for the other comparative analyses. Because of its many advantages, breastfeeding should be stimulated within neonatal units since nutritional status was not influenced by the different types of feeding.

Fatores sociodemográficos, perinatais e comportamentais associados aos tipos de leite consumidos por crianças menores de seis meses: coorte de nascimento / Sociodemographic, perinatal and behavioral factors associated to types of milk consumed by children under in six months: birth coort

Resumo Avaliar os fatores associados ao consumo de leite materno (LM), fórmulas lácteas (FL) e leite de vaca (LV). Estudo de coorte com 247 crianças acompanhadas no 1°, 4° e 6° mês de vida, em Viçosa-MG. Para o LV e FL contabilizouse o consumo independentemente da ingestão de LM. Para o LM, considerou-se apenas o consumo exclusivo ou predominante. Do 1° ao 6° mês observou-se o aumento do não consumo de LM de forma exclusiva ou predominante (31,6%), bem como do consumo de LV (27,2%) e FL (9,3%). O LM associou-se ao uso de chupeta no 1° mês, e ao trabalho materno e uso de chupeta no 4° e 6° mês. O uso de chupeta foi fator de risco para o consumo de FL em todos os meses, enquanto pertencer ao grupo de menor renda foi inversamente associado no 6° mês. Para o LV, o número de consultas pré-natal foi fator de risco em todos os meses, o trabalho materno e o uso de chupeta no 4° mês, a renda familiar, trabalho materno, baixo peso ao nascer, número de consultas pré-natal e uso de chupeta no 6° mês. Desde o 1° mês a introdução de outros tipos de leite é elevada, revelando que ainda há muito a se percorrer para a garantia do aleitamento materno exclusivo até os 6 meses.

Abstract This study evaluated factors associated with the consumption of breast milk (BM), infant formula (IF) and cow milk (CM) in children. This was a cohort study with 256 children followed-up at the 1st, 4th and 6th month of age in Viçosa (MG), Brazil. With respect to CM and IF, consumption was recorded regardless of BM intake. Regarding BM, only exclusive or predominant consumption was considered. From the 1st to the 6th month, an increase was recorded in the number of children who did not consume BM exclusively or predominantly (31.6%), as well as the consumption of CM (27.2%) and IF (9.3%). BM was associated with pacifier use at 1st month, and mother's employment status and pacifier use in the 4th and 6th month. Pacifier use was a risk factor for IF consumption in every month, while belonging to the lower income group was inversely associated in the 6th month. As for CM, the number of prenatal visits was a risk factor in every month, the mother's employment status and use of pacifier in the 4th month, family income, mother's employment status, low birth weight, number of prenatal visits and pacifier use in the 6th month. Since the 1st month, the introduction of other milk types is high, revealing that there is still much to go to ensure exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months.

Determinantes da velocidade média de crescimento de crianças até seis meses de vida: um estudo de coorte / Determinants of the mean growth rate of children under the age of six months: a cohort study

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo a investigação de alguns fatores que contribuíram para uma maior ou menor velocidade de crescimento de crianças até o sexto mês de vida. Estudo de coorte com 240 crianças, avaliadas em quatro momentos. Foram investigadas variáveis de nascimento, práticas alimentares da criança, dificuldade da mãe em amamentar e uso de chupeta. A velocidade de ganho de peso (gramas/dia) e ganho de comprimento (centímetros/mês) das crianças foi calculada em todas as avaliações e comparadas de acordo com as variáveis de interesse. No primeiro mês, a velocidade de ganho de peso das crianças nascidas de parto cesáreo foi menor. Até o segundo mês, a velocidade de crescimento (ganho de peso e comprimento) foi maior entre as crianças em aleitamento exclusivo ou predominante e menor entre as que consumiam fórmula infantil. Os filhos de mães que referiram dificuldade na amamentação apresentaram menor velocidade de crescimento até o segundo mês. As crianças com quatro meses que consumiam mingau apresentaram menores velocidade de ganho de peso e comprimento. O uso de chupeta esteve associado à menores velocidades de ganho de peso até o primeiro, segundo e quarto mês.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate some factors that contributed to higher or lower growth rate of children up to the sixth month of life. This is a cohort study with 240 children evaluated in four stages. Variables of birth, eating habits of the child, mothers' breast-feeding difficulty and pacifier use were investigated. Children's weight gain rate (grams/day) and size gain (cm/month) were measured in all assessments and compared according to the variables of interest. In the first month, weight gain rate of children born by cesarean section was smaller. By the second month, the growth rate (weight and size gain) was higher among children who were exclusively or predominantly breastfed and lower among those who consumed infant formula. Children of mothers who reported difficulty to breastfeed showed a lower growth rate until the second month. Children age four months who consumed porridge had lower weight and size gain rate. Pacifier use was associated with lower weight gain rates up the first, second and fourth month.

HÁBITOS E ATITUDES DE MÃES DE LACTENTES EM RELAÇÃO AO ALEITAMENTO NATURAL E ARTIFICIAL EM 11 CIDADES BRASILEIRAS / HABITS AND ATTITUDES OF MOTHERS OF INFANTS IN RELATION TO BREASTFEEDING AND ARTIFICIAL FEEDING IN 11 BRAZILIAN CITIES

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre hábitos e atitudes de mães com os tipos de leite oferecidos para seus filhos nos dois primeiros anos de vida. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo incluindo 773 entrevistas de mães de 11 cidades brasileiras com filhos com até 2 anos de idade. Foram analisadas as seguintes informações: tipo de aleitamento que planejava enquanto estava na gestação e o efetivamente realizado após o nascimento; tipo(s) de leite(s) utilizado(s) no dia da entrevista e anteriormente; idade de introdução do leite de vaca integral; e origem das recomendações para usar determinado tipo de leite. Resultados: O leite materno era oferecido para 81,7% dos lactentes no primeiro semestre de vida, 52,2% no segundo semestre (p<0,001) e 32,9% no segundo ano de vida (p<0,001). Por sua vez, o consumo de leite de vaca integral aumentou de 31,1 para 83,8% (p<0,001) e 98,7% (p=0,05), respectivamente, nestas três faixas etárias. Fórmula de partida (15,0%) e de seguimento (2,3%) eram utilizadas por um número de lactentes muito menor em relação aos que recebiam leite de vaca integral. A maioria das mães não recebeu prescrição de leite de vaca integral. Os pediatras foram os profissionais da área da saúde que mais frequentemente recomendaram fórmula infantil. Conclusão: As taxas de aleitamento natural no Brasil continuam abaixo das recomendações. As mães brasileiras, com frequência, decidem oferecer leite de vaca integral por iniciativa própria. É muito baixa a utilização de fórmula infantil quando o aleitamento natural é interrompido.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the relationship between habits and attitudes of mothers and the types of milk offered to their children in their first two years of life. Methods: Retrospective study including 773 interviews of mothers from 11 Brazilian cities with children under 2 years of age. Interviews were conducted in 11 cities of Brazil. The following factors were analyzed: breastfeeding method planned during pregnancy and the method actually applied after birth; type(s) of milk(s) used on the day of the interview and earlier; age at which the child was introduced to whole milk; and source of advice used to choose a certain type of milk. Results: Breast milk was offered to 81.7% of infants during their first six months of life, to 52.2% of infants during their second semester (p<0.001) and to 32.9% of infants during their second year of life (p<0.001). In contrast, cow’s milk consumption increased from 31.1 to 83.8% (p<0.001) and 98.7% (p=0.05), respectively, for these three age groups. Infant (15.0%) and follow-on (also known as toddler’s) (2.3%) formulas were used by a much smaller number of infants than whole cow’s milk. Most mothers were not prescribed whole cow’s milk. Pediatricians were the health care professionals who most often recommended infant formulas. Conclusions: Rates of breastfeeding in Brazil remain below recommended levels. Brazilian mothers often decide to feed their infants with whole cow’s milk on their own initiative. The use of infant formulas after weaning is still too low.

Energy contribution from non-breastmilk items in low-income Guatemalan infants in their sixth month of life / Contribución de energía de fuentes diferentes a la leche materna en infantes de seis meses de edad de bajos recursos en Guatemala

Objective. To examine the nature and energy contribution of complementary feeding in breastfed infants in their sixth month of life, and the prevalence of the use of bottles as a delivery method. Materials and methods. We recruited 156 breastfeeding infants at a health clinic in metropolitan Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. A previous-day recall was performed. Results. Sixty nine mothers (44%) reported offering items other than breastmilk. The median contribution of energy from complementary foods among infants with mixed feeding (n=66) was 197 kcal/day (interquartile range [IQR] 49-353). The median energy contribution of formula or cow's milk among consumers (n=39) was 212 kcal/day (IQR 84-394). Bottles were used on the previous day by 55 (80%) of the 69 mothers not offering exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions. Premature introduction of non-breastmilk items is commonly practiced in feeding Guatemalan infants. Adherence to the internationally recognized guidelines for early infant feeding should be an intervention priority for this population.

Objetivos. Examinar la naturaleza y contribución energética de la alimentación complementaria en infantes lactantes en el sexto mes de vida y la prevalencia del uso de biberones como método de alimentación. Material y métodos. Se seleccionaron 156 infantes lactantes en un centro de salud en la ciudad de Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Se solicitó una rememoración de la alimentación del día anterior. Resultados. Sesenta y nueve madres (44%) reportaron dar alimentos adicionales a la leche materna. La mediana de contribución energética de alimentos complementarios en infantes con alimentación mixta (n=66) fue 197 kcal/día (rango intercuartil [RIC] 43-353). La mediana de contribución energética de leche de vaca entre consumidores (n=39) fue 212 kcal/día (RIC 84-394). De 69 madres que ofrecían alimentación mixta, 55 (80%) proporcionaron biberones. Conclusiones. Las madres guatemaltecas practican comúnmente la introducción prematura de la alimentación complementaria. La adhesión a las guías internacionalmente reconocidas para alimentación de infantes debe ser una prioridad de intervención en esta población.

Breastfeeding practices of urban and rural mothers.

This longitudinal study was conducted to describe the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and factors influencing it in urban (tertiary care hospital of Delhi) and rural (First Referral Unit in Haryana) settings. The exclusive breastfeeding rates were 38%, 30%, 24%, 20%, 16% and 1% at discharge, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 6 months, respectively in the urban and; 57%, 16%, 9%, 6%, 5% and 0% at discharge, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 6 months, respectively in rural setting. Use of formula feeding was very high (55%) among the urban mothers during hospital stay. The factors associated with continuation of exclusive breastfeeding were mothers’ knowledge regarding breastfeeding and reinforcement by health professionals, whereas the factors associated with cessation were perceived insufficiency of milk, and cultural practices.

Infant-feeding practices among HIV-infected mothers in an HIV-treatment programme.

The transmission of HIV via breastmilk has led to various recommendations for HIV-infected mothers. In this study, the feeding practices of HIV-infected mothers in the first six months of their infants' lives were evaluated. In total, 103 consecutive mothers of children, aged 6-24 months, were evaluated for their feeding practices in the first six months of their infants' lives. The mothers were recruited in two cohorts based on their entry (PMTCT cohort) or non-entry (non-PMTCT cohort) to an HIV MTCT-prevention programme. Information obtained included maternal age, socioeconomic class, and the educational level attained. All the babies in the non-PMTCT cohort were breastfed compared to none in the PMTCT cohort. Infant formula was inadequately prepared for 77.42% of babies in the non-PMTCT cohort compared to 18.64% in the PMTCT cohort. The mixed-feeding rate was high (70.45%) in the non-PMTCT cohort. Over 70% of babies in both the cohorts were bottle-fed. Voluntary counselling and testing services in the healthcare system should be strengthened. All mothers should receive infant-feeding counselling, with exclusive breastfeeding being encouraged in those with unknown HIV status.

Feeding of infants and young children in tsunami affected villages in Pondicherry.

The study was conducted to identify the problems related to feeding of children post tsunami in four villages in Pondicherry. Data were collected from 100 randomly chosen families who had an infant or a young child below 3 years of age during Tsunami. Informants were the mothers. In the population studied, 30% mothers did not exclusively breast feed for 6 months; 58% bottle fed their children and 51% fed their infants with commercial formula. The occurrence of diarrhea was three times higher among children who were fed with free breast milk substitutes (BMS) than in those who were not fed with the same. Those populations, wherein a pre-existing tradition of artificial feeding is present, infants are at further risk during a crisis situation like Tsunami. Breast feeding practices need strengthening even in routine conditions to tackle a disaster rather than intervention after the disaster.