Survey on the prevalence, duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding in the province of Rieti

Background: The aim of the survey was to estimate the prevalence, duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding (AS) in the province of Rieti, using standardized indicators, for further assessment. Methods: this is an observational prospective study, through questionnaires self-administered to parents of children receiving the first two vaccinations mandatores. The survey was conducted in the outpatient paediatric vaccine clinics and attended by parents of 198 children born in 2010, who carried out the vaccinations required by law in the first six months of life. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (AE), predominant breastfeeding (AP), partial breastfeeding (AC) and with formula feeding only (not AS) after three and six months in postpartum. Have been also studied a number of factors that may affect the ability of the mothers to breastfeed and its continuation. Results: At 3 months of age, the proportion of infants who were being breastfed was 65.5%, (AE 39.7%, AP 11.7%, 14.1% AC), while, after 5 months in postpartum the proportion of any AS was 51.7% ( AE 18.5%, AP 15.6% and 17.9% AC). Based on the regression model, significant associations were observed between AS complete at the 3rd and 5th month, and natural delivery (OR 2.6, respectively, and OR 1.9); having breastfed her son during the first 48 hours of birth was associated with increased prevalence of AS at 3rd month (OR 3.5), but it was not significant associated at the 5th month. Pre-term birth reduces significantly the probability of BF (OR 0.3) at the first vaccination. The use of pacifiers has been associated with reduced prevalence and early discontinuation of BF (respectively, OR 0.2 at 3rd month and OR 0.3 at 5th month). Conclusion: The survey confirms the need to assist the new mothers in the postpartum to promote the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and its continuation. The identification of specific risk groups, such as women who have caesarean delivery or who started late lactation, allows health professionals to act with greater awareness and achieve greater efficiency in interventions