Types of breastfeeding and reasons that influence to stop it before 6 months. lactem study

© 2019 Ediciones Mayo, S.A. All rights reserved. Objective: To understand the current evolution of de breastfeeding (BF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) from birth to 6 months of age. To identify the main difficulties and causes for abandonment. Methodology: Longitudinal, observational study of a cohort of mothers/children from the Barcelona's Northern Metropolitan Area, from the 35th gestation weeks, puerperium until at 6 months of age. Final follow-up of 541 subjects. The data was collected by midwifes through a specific questionnaire. The types of lactation defined by the WHO, difficulties, causes of abandonment and the intention of its duration are listed. Results: At discharge BF and EBF were 94.8 and 75.3%, respectively, and at 6 month 63.3 and 16.8%. Accessories (pacifiers, teats, liners) are the biggest obstacle (20.2%). The main causes for abandonment were the child's subjective sensation of hungry (35%) and the subjective sensation of hypogalactia (22.8%). 95% of the mothers expressed their willingness to start breastfeeding and its duration was greater than one year. Conclusions: For the first time we have relative information on EBF at 6 months in our territory. New strategies for the promotion of breastfeeding are needed to allow increasing EBF which should be directed at avoidable causes of weaning. Breastfeeding information, good advice and follow-up and support programs, before and after delivery, to prevent early weaning unwanted by mothers and for avoidable causes.