Breastfeeding in children with down syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Babies with Down syndrome (DS) present physical characteristics that can make breastfeeding difficult, including hypotonia of the muscles of the oral cavity and pharynx which can create problems with sucking and swallowing. Breastfeeding has proven beneficial for babies, and it is recommended to be exclusive for the first 6 months. However, babies born with DS have a higher probability of not being breastfed.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the frequency and characteristics of breastfeeding in children with DS at the National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City.

RESULTS

The mothers reported that 98% of their babies had received mother's milk at least once and that 64% had received infant formula in the first three days of life. The median duration of breastfeeding was three months; 32.4% of the babies were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Risk factors for not being breastfed were problems with sucking, swallowing, and not providing feeding on demand, as well as improper technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 32% of babies were exclusively breastfed, for various reasons.