This cross-sectional epidemiological study based on AMAMUNIC aimed to evaluate infant breastfeeding (BF) prevalence and duration in São Paulo, Brazil. Sample size was based on a cluster calculation, selecting 35 primary care units and 35 infants (< 1 year of age) per unit. A total of 1,424 interviews with mothers were performed (56 items on feeding in the previous 24 hours) in August 2008, subsequently analyzed according to residential areas: Central West, East, North, Southeast, and South. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 52% up to three months and 39% up to six months, as follows: 44% (Central West), 57% (East), 62% (North), 43% (Southeast), and 48% (South) up to three months and 36% (Central West), 46% (East), 39% (North), 36% (Southeast), and 33% (South) up to six months. Prevalence of EBF according to infant age was 58% in the first month, 50% in the second and third, and 13% in the sixth. In conclusion, EBF prevalence up to six months is still heterogeneous in the city, suggesting the need for programs to encourage BF that are differentiated according to region.
Breast Feeding; Infant; Prevalence
