Maternal Knowledge and Breastfeeding Practices in Infants

The study aimed to investigate maternal knowledge and breastfeeding practices in infants. This was a cross-sectional study, which involved 41 mothers of infants up to 2 years of age, users of one school, in the city of São Paulo. A questionnaire with closed questions was applied, containing: sociodemographic data, infant data, information on the practice of breastfeeding, maternal knowledge and previous guidance received on breastfeeding. Most of the mothers interviewed were between 30 and 39 years old, are married and have an extra-domestic occupation. It was noted that 100% of infants received breast milk for some period, 53.7% received infant formula and 12% had already received cow's milk. About 65.8% of mothers received previous guidance on breastfeeding. Most of the interviewees knew the recommended time of exclusive breastfeeding and the total duration of breastfeeding. The main reasons reported for early weaning were low milk production and return to work. Most of the mothers interviewed were aware of the benefits, recommendations and practices of breastfeeding and, for the most part, practiced them. However, mothers also showed to believe in beliefs and taboos on the subject.