[Promotion of breastfeeding: the importance of pediatricians with specific training]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Infant Nutrition

Background:

• Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for infant health during the first four months of life.
• The role of healthcare professionals, particularly pediatricians, in supporting breastfeeding is significant.
• Understanding factors influencing breastfeeding maintenance is vital for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors contributing to the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding in infants up to four months.
• To evaluate the specific impact of pediatrician training on exclusive breastfeeding rates.
• To compare the effectiveness of a trained pediatrician versus a multiprofessional team in promoting breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 101 healthy term infants in Brazil.
• Infants were randomized into three groups: multiprofessional team, trained pediatrician, and untrained pediatrician.
• Feeding outcomes at four months were analyzed using statistical methods including chi-square and analysis of variance.

Main Results:

• Groups receiving advice from a multiprofessional team or a trained pediatrician showed similar, higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding compared to the untrained pediatrician group (p=0.002).
• Pacifier use was negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.003).
• Higher maternal education levels correlated positively with exclusive breastfeeding at four months (p=0.041).

Conclusions:

• A pediatrician adequately trained and motivated in breastfeeding support can achieve outcomes comparable to a multiprofessional team.
• These findings highlight the importance of specialized training for pediatricians in promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
• Interventions should consider maternal education and discourage pacifier use to improve breastfeeding maintenance.