Maternal breastfeeding and the characterization of feeding habits in early infancy: The experience of são tomé e príncipe

Abstract

Objectives: to evaluate breastfeeding and the frequency and diversification of feeding, in children in São Tomé e Príncipe (STP). Methods: the sample comprised 1,285 children. The protocol included the prevalence of exclusive (EMB) and total (TMB) maternal breastfeeding, the onset of nutritional diversification (ND) and a questionnaire on the frequency of feeding. The statistics were processed using SPSS®. The results were presented in terms of the total sample. Results: 45.5% of the babies were female and the mean age 26±18 months. 46.6% were given EMB up to the age of six months (mean 5±2). The mean for TMB was 12±7 months and the onset of ND at 6±3 months (median=6), with corn flour and fish soup being the first solid foods offered. 42% ate the same as the rest of the family at 7±3 months (median=6). High percentages of children never ingested cow’s milk (74%) or yogurt (40%), in contrast to the high consumption of cooking oil (34%) and sugar (33%). The mean age for beginning to drink beer was 18±12 months and for beginning to drink palm wine 13±10 months. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of EMB and early introduction of ND. Although nutritional resources are available, there is no adequate information or training on how to draw up a healthy eating plan for infants.