Good health indicators in children with Down syndrome: High frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 month

Abstract

Aim: To describe the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months in binomial of mother and infants with Down Syndrome (DS) attending at the Health net UC CHRISTUS (PSSPSD-UC), and identify the main factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding cessation.

Patients and Methods:Prevalence study of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months of age that includes mother-child binomial of Chilean infants with (DS) aged 6-24 months, who attend the PSSPSD-UC. An on-line questionnaire was conducted, which included demographic data, child’s background and experience in breastfeeding.

Results: The total sample consisted of 73 binomials. Forty-six percent (34/73) of the mothers exclusively breastfed until 6 months or longer, 67.1% (49/73) of the infants had a disease or malformation that interfere with breast feeding. Among the 39 mothers who did not exclusively breastfeed until 6 months, 25 (64.1%) referred child factors. Hospitalization during the first 6 months was the most significant factor affecting the cessation of breastfeeding (OR = 6,13).

Conclusions: First study in Chile that describes the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months of age in children with DS, which shows a large rate of exclusively breastfeeding in the studied sample. The adequate support and education in breastfeeding could allow to achieve a better rate of exclusive breastfeeding in this vulnerable group.