OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breastfeeding indicators registered for two groups of infants in the city of Lins, São Paulo, Brazil. To compare the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in this area with data found in other studies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 255 infants between 4 and 12 months of age, found in two groups: the infants attended at private medical offices, and those attended at the county health care centers of the city of Lins. The subjects were stratified by sex, parental socioeconomic class and education, and were evaluated by breastfeeding rates within the two groups. The questionnaires were answered by the parents or guardians. Data from other studies were compared to those resulting from this study. RESULTS: There were significant differences in parental income, socioeconomic condition and education between the two groups of infants; however, no significant difference was observed in the breastfeeding rates between the two groups. Overall, in both groups, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in 4-month-old infants was 61.1%, and the average period of exclusive breastfeeding was 120 days. These results were higher than those registered in other studies. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed differences between the socio-economic levels of the two groups, but no differences in the breastfeeding indicators between them.. The overall rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the city of Lins, SP, Brazil, were higher than the rates reported in other investigations.
breast feeding; exclusive breast feeding; health promotion
