Abstract

WEIDERPASS, Elisabete et al. Incidence and duration of breast-feeding by pattern of delivery: a longitudinal study in Southeastern Brazil. Rev. Saúde Pública [online]. 1998, vol.32, n.3, pp. 225-231. ISSN 0034-8910.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89101998000300004.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of breastfeeding according to type of delivery. METHODOLOGY: Population-based cohort study of 655 children born in 1993 and followed up during the first three months of life through home visits. RESULTS: Breastfeeding duration was similar among babies born either by vaginal delivery or by emergency cesarean section. Babies born by elective cesarean section, however, presented a three times higher risk of stopping brestfeeding in the first month of life, after adjusting for possible confounding factors (odds ratio=3.09; 95% CI 1.3-7.2). The increased risk did not persist into the third month of life. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that health services pay special attention, in the promotion of breastfeeding, to babies born by elective cesarean section, as a way to avoid early weaning.

Keywords : Breast feeding; Cesarean section; Natural childbirth.