The Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Growth Pattern of Less than 6 Month Old Sucklings.

Maternal breastfeeding is the most natural and the safest way to feed the infants. Breastfeeding provides a unique combination of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and living cells for suckling. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of maternal breastfeeding on the growth pattern in sucklings. A historical cohort study was conducted on 352 sucklings who were 6-12 month old, and attended the health centers in Arak for child care. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire and interview during 2007-2008. Anthropometric measures were acquired from babies health charts and documents in health centers. T-test and chi square were used to analyze the data.From 352 sucklings participating the study, there were 198 (56.3%) male and 154(43.7%) females. 41.5%were breastfed exclusively until 6 months. There was no significant difference between two sex-nutritional groups at the birth time (P>0.05) but at two, four and six months a significant difference was observed in their weight (P<0.05). Also a difference was observed between the height of two sex and nutrition of the six month old group (P<0.05). Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months leads to improvement in growth pattern and appropriation in height and weight gain, but some of incorrect common beliefs prevents people from access to appropriate nutritional behavior which needs propagation and support of different medical classes to be solved.