Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the first week of life in primiparous women

Objective: to verify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the first week of life in primiparous women. Method: longitudinal study, with a probabilistic sample of 102 primiparous women assisted in two university hospitals in Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, from December 2023 to April 2024, with favorable conditions for breastfeeding. An instrument validated by experts was applied. The chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied. Multiple analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. The dependent variable was exclusive breastfeeding in the first week of life. Results: 70.6% of the primiparous women performed exclusive breastfeeding in the first week of life. A bivariate analysis showed an association between type of breastfeeding at hospital discharge (p<0.001), complications with newborns after discharge (p=0.038) and use of pacifiers (p<0.001). The non-exclusivity of breastfeeding at time of discharge and the use of pacifiers explained the non-exclusivity in the first week of life. Conclusion: This research identified factors that may interfere with breastfeeding and its exclusivity after hospital discharge. Practices should consider restricting the use of formulas and artificial nipples, reiterating the importance of professional support, especially in the transition from hospital to home.