[Breastfeeding practices among paid working mothers in Paraíba State, Brazil: a cross-sectional study]

Cad Saude Publica. 2007 Oct;23(10):2403-9. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2007001000015.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Paid work should not be an obstacle to women's breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. In Brazil, women are legally entitled to 4 months of maternity leave, but in practice few women enjoy such benefits. How is it possible to practice exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months? We analyzed both the breastfeeding rates and whether paid jobs interfere with breastfeeding in Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 70 of 223 municipalities (counties) during the annual immunization campaign in 2002. Among 11,076 infants (< 12 months of age), the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 0-4 months was 22.4% and was significantly higher among working women receiving maternity leave as compared to those who did not. The prevalence of total and predominant breastfeeding for 4 months was significantly lower among working women. In rural areas, having paid work was associated with a reduction in exclusive breastfeeding. The results show that breastfeeding practices in Paraíba fall far short of WHO recommendations, especially when mothers return to their paid jobs.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Breast Feeding / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women, Working / statistics & numerical data*