Breastfeeding versus free distribution of infant formulas by the Public Health System

• Published in: Einstein (São Paulo, Brazil) Vol. 19; p. eAO6451
• Main Authors: Cândido, Flávia Galvão, Freitas, Brunnella Alcântara Chagas de, Soares, Rita de Cássia Santos, Bittencourt, Jersica Martins, Ribeiro, Daniela Neves, Morais, Dayane de Castro, Niquine, Camilla de Freitas, Ribeiro, Sarah Aparecida Vieira, Araújo, Raquel Maria Amaral, Zucchetto, Bruna Romano, Carvalho, Taimã de Castro, Rezende, Isabela Carvalho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Breast feeding; Infant formula; MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; Original; Prescriptions; Unified Health System; Unified Health System; Sistema Único de Saúde; Aleitamento materno; Fórmulas infantis; Breast feeding; Infant formula; Prescriptions; Prescrições
• ISSN: 1679-4508; 2317-6385; 2317-6385
• DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021AO6451

OBJECTIVETo characterize the situation of breastfeeding and the adequacy of prescription of infant formulas to infants assisted by a secondary care program of the Public Health System. METHODSThis is a cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records of 350 infants from zero to 6 months, followed up between February to April 2019. RESULTSThe possibility of breastfeeding was present in 97.0% of mothers and no infant presented an acceptable medical condition for proscription of breastfeeding. Despite this, only 47.2% of cases were on exclusive breastfeeding before being referred to the program. Regarding the reasons for the introduction of infant formulas, complementation to breast milk was the most present (75.8%), followed by mothers returning to the job market (20.1%). The general rates of inadequacy of those prescribed were 65% before arriving at the program, increasing to 69% (standard formulas) and 80% (formulas for special purposes) during follow-up. CONCLUSIONThe low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the indiscriminate prescription of infant formulas are a concern for damage to maternal-child healthcare and sound finances of the Public Health System.