Determinants of breastfeeding practices in Ecuador: implications for localized applications of breastfeeding promotion and policies

Abstract

Background Best practices in breastfeeding are often not followed in spite of appropriate levels of knowledge and positive attitudes regarding the many benefits of human milk. For a variety of reasons, particular, women do not initiate breastfeeding, suspend breastfeeding early, or initiate complementary feeding earlier than recommended. This paper analyzes breastfeeding patterns in three settings in Ecuador: a suburban parish near Quito, the nation’s capital, urban and rural parts of a province in the Amazonian lowlands, and the province of Galapagos. Methods We analyse data produced by surveys conducted in the three locations, each of which included mothers of infants between 0 and 24 months of age. The surveys collected demographic information and data based on breastfeeding indicators established by WHO. Results Significant differences were found in breastfeeding practices, particularly between the suburban parish near Quito and Galapagos, on one hand, and urban and rural parts of the Amazonian province, on the other. Conclusions Differences among population segments reflect specific opportunities and barriers to practices related to promoting optimal infant health and nutrition. Consequently, regional or local conditions that often are not apparent in national-level data should orient policies and promotion activities in specific populations.