Prevalence of breastfeeding in working mothers attending the first level of care

Abstract

Introduction: breastfeeding is the mainstay of newborn feeding and contributes to the bonding of the mother-infant dyad. Objective: to identify the prevalence of breastfeeding and socio-demographic factors in working women attending the first level of care. Metodology: descriptive, cross-sectional, convenience sampling study (403 working mothers), taking into account the guidelines established in the Regulations for the General Health Law on Research. Results: mothers were aged between 26 and 35 years, with a bachelor's degree (61.8%), an average of 2 children, 70.8% had caesarean section, 89.1% received information on breastfeeding, 98.3% attended prenatal care, 54.3% of the newborns were female. 3% of the newborns were female; at term (80.1%), weight x ̅ = 3.057 kg, height x ̅ = 49.3 cm, head circumference x ̅ = 39.15 cm and x ̅ = 5.6 days of extrauterine life, 53.3% were exclusively breastfed, 42.4% were mixed and 2.2% were formula fed. Conclusions: the results of this study highlight the need for: training for the creation of breast milk banks at home, decent, private and comfortable spaces for expressing milk at work and promoting maternity leave to continue breastfeeding.