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Cross‐Nursing in a Peruvian Peri‐urban Area
Author(s) -
Pareja Rossina G.,
Marquis Grace S,
Penny Mary E
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.959.17
Subject(s) - medicine , breastfeeding , aunt , pediatrics , breast feeding , population , pregnancy , demography , nursing , environmental health , sociology , biology , anthropology , genetics
Despite recommendations that mothers should avoid the cross‐nursing of their infants (the occasional nursing by another woman) due to the risk of transmitting diseases such as HIV, this practice occurs. Methods A cohort of 179 pregnant women and their toddlers living in a peri‐urban area of Lima, Peru was enrolled during the 3 rd trimester of pregnancy. After birth, a total of 179 newborn infants were followed up until 6 months of age. Field workers visited the homes weekly to collect information about the infant for the previous seven days. Mothers were asked about the infant's health and feeding practices (breastfeeding, use of any liquids or foods, type of food). Results About 45% of the mothers (n=81) reported that their infants received breast milk from another woman during their first 6 months of life. Of those who were cross‐nursed, the frequency of days exposed ranged from one day (35%), between 2 to 7 days (40%), and 8 to 31 days (25%). The exposure occurred as early as the second day of life and as late as the six‐month birthday. Infants were most frequently cross‐nursed by their aunt (69%), followed by their neighbor (11%) and great aunts (11%). Grandmothers were also reported as breastfeeding the infant. Conclusions Although this study provided data about one specific area of Peru, the population included migrants from other areas of the country; it is likely that this feeding behavior is common throughout Peru. More information is required to understand the practice of cross‐nursing and develop training to help health professionals effectively counsel mothers about the risks of this infant feeding practice. Support or Funding Information Canadian Institutes of Health Research