Factors associated with of breastfeeding interruption in infants born at tertiary hospital in the Alto Vale do Itajaí region: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Early weaning is characterized by the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding and/or its replacement with other foods or infant formulas. Suspending exclusive breastfeeding before six months of the infant's life can have consequences for child development. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with the interruption of breastfeeding in infants born in a tertiary hospital in the Alto Vale do Itajaí. Methods: Observational, analytical study with a prospective cohort design. All mothers of newborns hospitalized in the maternity ward of the tertiary hospital from September 2023 to February 2024 were evaluated using a research instrument during the first 3 and 6 months of the baby, totaling 145 mothers at the baseline period. The research was approved by the institution's Ethics Committee. Results: Mothers who returned to work had a 2.3 times higher tendency to wean compared to those who did not return to work. The most common difficulties were nipple fissures and trauma, with a relative risk 3.9 times greater. Children who received artificial nipples and formula early had a 2.5 times higher risk of early weaning. Conclusion: The study highlighted that the most prevalent factors associated with breastfeeding interruption are the return to maternal work, use of pacifiers, low milk supply, and nipple fissures and trauma, in line with the most recent literature data.