INFANT FEEDING IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE
Silva T., Bicho A.
Caldas da Rainha Primary Care Center, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
29 e 30 de Setembro de 2006
17º Congresso SEPa / 9ª Reunião SPA-SPP
[Posters]
Introduction:
Breast feeding is one of the most important WHO strategies for improving infant and child survival, meaning that children must
be fed exclusively with breast milk until the age of 4-6 months. This recommendation is based on the nutritional and immune
composition of human milk and the relationship developed through breast feeding.
Between 4-6 months of age, the child must be introduced to a variety of foods, gradually shifting from an exclusive milk diet to a
regular family diet. This transition is fundamental not only nutritionally, but also in the development and education of the child.
Objective:
To describe feeding patterns during first year of life of children whose health is supervised in Caldas da Rainha Primary Care
Center. Methods:
We analysed retrospectively the clinical files of children between the age of 12 to 24 months supervised on a regular basis in
Caldas da Rainha Primary Care Center. This evaluation was based on: age, sex, parents´ age, number of brothers and/or
sisters, exclusive breast feeding, age and cause of introduction of formula, weaning, and introduction of cow´s milk.
Results:
We studied 163 children; their mean age was 14 months.
92% of these newborns were breast fed, but only 30% maintained breast feeding until the age of 4 months. 86% stopped breast
feeding before the age of 6 months. 27% started formula before the age of 1 month, main causes were hypogalactia and failure
to thrive. 89 % started using cow´s milk at the age of 1 year, although yogurt was started between the age of 7-8 months.
80% started weaning at the age of 4 months mainly with cereals. 98% introduced gluten in their diet after the age of 6 months.
Conclusions:
Breasts feeding rates are low among the studied population. The introduction of solid foods is generally correct but early started.
The use of cow´s milk must be postponed , especially in yogurt.
The role of the health professional in supporting and promoting breast feeding is of greater importance.