Incidence of exclusive breastfeeding: influence of care received during hospitalization for birth

OBJECTIVE: Identify the incidence of exclusive breastfeeding in the sixth month of life and associated factors according to care received during hospitalization for birth. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was conducted in two hospitals (A and B) in Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil, with 291 pregnant women/puerperal women. Data collection was performed in four moments through interviews and the completion of questionnaires. The outcome variable was the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, while the independent variables were the characteristics of the care received during hospitalization for birth. The proportion difference test was used, with presentation of relative risk. RESULTS: The incidence of exclusive breastfeeding in the sixth month of the newborn in hospital A and B was 13.8% and 13.0%, respectively. The absence of formula supplementation to the newborn showed a significant association of protection to exclusive breastfeeding. The lack of guidance on breastfeeding techniques and late initiation of breastfeeding showed a significant association for the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: The care received during hospitalization for birth was associated with the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. It reinforces the implementation of intra-hospital strategies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, aiming at increasing its rates and favoring maternal and child health.