Prelacteal feeds are negatively associated with breast-feeding outcomes in Honduras

J Nutr. 1996 Nov;126(11):2765-73. doi: 10.1093/jn/126.11.2765.

Abstract

The 1991/92 Epidemiology and Family Health Survey (ENESF) from Honduras was examined for associations between prelacteal feeds and breast-feeding outcomes. The ENESF is a self-weighted nationally representative survey that included 2380 women with children under the age of two. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between prelacteal feeds and breast-feeding practices among 0- to 6-mo-old infants (n = 714), and to identify factors associated with milk-based prelacteal feeds. Providing milk-based prelacteal feeds was negatively associated with both exclusive (odds ratio = 0.18) and any breast-feeding (0.21). Prelacteal water was negatively associated with exclusive breast-feeding (0.19). Both water- and milk-based prelacteal feeds were associated with a delayed milk arrival and a delay in the time at which the child was offered the breast for the first time. Our findings suggest that prelacteal feeds have an adverse effect on breast-feeding outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Collection*
  • Female
  • Honduras
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Food / adverse effects
  • Infant Food / standards*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Middle Aged
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Class