Determinant Factors in Maintaining the Exclusive Breastfeeding and Premature Weaning in Postpartum Mothers in the Brazilian Semiarid

This is a cross-sectional, correlational and quantitative study conducted on 210 postpartum women from January to July 2013 at the breastfeeding outpatient clinic of a public maternity. The study was carried out in order to assess the determining factors in maintaining an exclusive breastfeeding in the first month of the newborn’s life, the participation of the nurse in encouraging this process, and the reasons leading to a premature weaning. Prior births proved to be a positive factor for exclusive breastfeeding (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.359; CI 95% 0.137 - 0.941; p = 0.031). The absence of a nurse in the medical appointments resulted in a threefold risk to have no prenatal exclusive breastfeeding guidance whatsoever (OR 3.025; CI 95% 1.567 - 5.840; p = 0.001). The reported reasons for a premature weaning were difficulty latching-on, cracked nipples, poor milk that does not satiate the baby’s hunger, and production of little or no milk at all. The results provide information for the adoption of strategies during pregnancy and the postpartum period aimed to promote an exclusive breastfeeding, checking for the possible influence of the woman’s personal circumstances in her choosing exclusive breastfeeding, as well as the participation of the nurse in the mother’s decision.