Introduction:

Early initiation of breastfeeding is crucial to take advantage of the sensitive period of the newborn and the maternal hormonal cascade immediately after birth, which together stimulate the continuity of breastfeeding during the child’s development. However, there are factors that may affect the practice of immediate breastfeeding (IB) with negative consequences for health.

Objective:

To Establish whether there is a relationship between IB, birth, prenatal care and socio-demographic factors.

Method:

A case-control study was conducted. Surveys were applied to women with children aged 6 to 24 months. Convenience sampling was used. The averages were calculated under t Student´s test, the Spearman correlation coefficients and odds ratio.

Results:

The gestation weeks (GW) had a lower average in the group of women who practiced IB (p = 0.023). Women with higher incomes were less likely to IB [Rho = -0.28 (p < 0.05)]; unless GW increases the likelihood of IB [Rho =-0.35 (p < 0.05)] It was found that birth before 38 GW favors the practice of IB [or = 0.16 (ci 0.04 to 0.64)].

Conclusion:

even considering that mothers’ low economic and educational level by mothers are related to less IB practice, when the birth occurs before 38 GW this probability increases.

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