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[To what extent is breast feeding practiced in Italy today?]
T M Manfredi Selvaggi1, A E Tozzi, M P Carrieri
1Osservatorio Epidemiologico Regione Molise.
Minerva Pediatrica
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Most Italian mothers practice breastfeeding, with over half continuing for more than three months. Further research is needed to understand reasons for not breastfeeding or early weaning in infant health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Infant feeding practices are crucial for child health and development.
- Understanding current breastfeeding trends in Italy is essential for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in Italy.
- To identify regional variations in infant feeding practices.
Main Methods:
- A survey using the WHO EPI methodology was conducted across 7 Italian regions.
- Interviews were performed by healthcare professionals with mothers of 210 children per region.
- A structured questionnaire collected data on breastfeeding duration.
Main Results:
- 76% of mothers reported breastfeeding their infants.
- 44% of breastfeeding mothers continued for over 3 months, while 32% breastfed for less than 3 months.
- Breastfeeding rates exceeded 70% in all surveyed regions, with slight variations observed based on birth weight and maternal education.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a generally positive attitude towards breastfeeding among Italian mothers.
- Approximately a quarter of mothers do not practice breastfeeding, and about half breastfeed for longer than three months.
- Further research is recommended to explore the determinants of non-breastfeeding and early cessation of breastfeeding.