Breastfeeding in Valencia Autonomic Community. Multivariable analysis of a survey on 6,400 infants

In 1997, we conducted a survey on infant feeding practices in Valencia (SPAIN) to assess and start monitoring breastfeeding (BF) practices. These results have been published elsewhere pooled with the results of other Autonomic Communities. Children less than thirteen months old who came, to any of the 243 participating pediatric clinics, in February 1997, were eligible. Interviewers were pediatricians or nurses. Chi-square and logistic regression were used for analysis. Data on 5,698 infants were analyzed. Only 63.7 % of the infants less than 29 days of age were exclusively breastfeeding. Only 10 % of the infants less than six months were appropriately breastfed according to WHO guidelines. BF was strongly associated with hospital where birth took place. The findings indicate certain groups at risk of failing breastfeeding: mothers with low study level or previous cesarean sections, infants with low birthweight or neonatal problems and hospitals without policies that support breastfeeding. There is a strong need for political and professional promotion, support and surveillance of breastfeeding in our population.