[The prevalence and characteristics of breast feeding in the rural environment].

OBJECTIVES

To find the characteristics of breast-feeding (BF) in our community in terms of the number of women who started it, its prevalence, average duration, reasons for stopping, and related social and family factors.

DESIGN

A descriptive, longitudinal study.

SETTING

Health District of Piedrabuena, Ciudad Real.

PARTICIPANTS

All the 170 children born between January 1993 and March 1995, excluding newly-born low-weight babies or ill ones.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

On the first visit (15 days after birth) the mother was asked what kind of feeding she gave and, if relevant, the reason for giving up breast-feeding. Age of the mother, whether she smoked, number of children, educational level and job were obtained from medical records or direct questions. New feeding controls were made at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 months of life. Giving up BF meant the end of the period of study.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Rate for starting BF and its average duration was below the recommended, but above the rates found in similar studies. 2) There was a tendency to give up BF after three months. 3) Hypogalactia was the main reason for not starting and giving up BF. 4) The negative influence of tobacco on the duration of the BF.