Abstract:

Breastfeeding brings improvements in the digestive process and nervous system, favors the mother-child bond facilitating emotional development, favors immunity, maintains normal growth and development of the child. Infant formulas are indicated only when breastfeeding is impossible, its composition reaches a large part of the nutrients that make up human milk, but its composition does not match the physiological properties of breast milk. This study aimed to verify the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants, as well as the use of infant formulas in the first six months of life. To collect data, a questionnaire was administered to the children's parents, containing questions about the consumption of breast milk, other types of milk and other foods, including water, teas and other liquids, during the last 24 hours. (N = 22), about 40% (n = 20) of the children received infant formula, the study also emphasizes that on average 48 % (N = 24) of the mothers started the introduction of early food.

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