Objective: To know recommendations on breastfeeding by Mexican pediatricians.\nMethods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted through a\nsurvey of Mexican pediatricians. Results: Two hundred and fifty-four pediatricians\n(range 27 to 72 years) were surveyed. Most of them worked in public\nhospital or private practice or both. Among them 94.5% recommended newborn\nearly contact with mother and 54.3% rooming. Exclusive breastfeeding\nwas suggested by 89.8%, out of them 51.9% for 6 months. Breastfeeding on\ndemand was counseled by 88.2% and 84.6% without fixed schedules. Pacifier\nuse was rejected by 86.6%. 51.2% used iron supplements and 59.5% used other\nvitamins. Stopping breastfeeding in special situations was suggested by\n87.4%; of them, 86.6% in case of infection with AIDS; 74.4% if the mother\nused drugs; 74.4% by infection with hepatitis B virus; 49.6% in case of mastitis;\n17.3% in newborns with jaundice; and 18.5% in other situations. Finally,\n93.3% of pediatricians surveyed reported interest in breastfeeding; 54.7% obtained\ninformation in medical journals; 54.7% through medical courses, and\n31.9% in books. 58.3% of respondents oriented on breastfeeding according to\nWHO recommendations; 31.5% did so regularly and 10.2% did not. Conclusions:\nPediatricians play a major role in breastfeeding promotion, but their\nformation is scarce and they are not prepared to counsel patients. Governments\nof developing countries should promote breastfeeding to ensure the\nhealth and proper development of infants.
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