[Epidemiology of breast feeding in north-central Spain]

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of breastfeeding in the north-central region of Spain and to study its prenatal and perinatal factors.

From October 1992 December 1992, 1175 infants were selected from fifteen maternity units in Aragon, País Vasco, Cantabria, La Rioja, Navarra and Soria and follow up during a one year period.

At the time of discharge from the nursery unit, 79.9% of the newborns were exclusively breastfed, 8.5% were breast and bottle-fed and 11.8% were bottle-fed. At six months of life, we found that only 3.9% (43 babies) of the infants continue with breastfeeding. The mean period of breastfeeding in our area is 1.1 months. Of the mothers studied, 58.2% were from cities areas and 50% had basic academic studies, while 36.1% had intermediate studies. Approximately half of the mothers did receive prenatal preparation and 78% of them did no received a free sample of infant formula. Half of the mothers were housewives. Normal delivery occurred in 79.6% and 68.8% were without their husbands. Placement of the baby to the breast occurred late in 79.5% and 97% of the babies received glucose or water in the nursery. Most of the newborns (81.7%) were with the mother 24 hours a day.

Breastfeeding in the north-central region of Spain fits level 1 of the WHO classification. However, the prevalence at 3 and 6 months of life is lower. Protocols in the maternity units of this area are at a distance from those of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative.