The effect of breastfeeding promotion interventions on the duration of breastfeeding in two consecutive children Efecto de las acciones promocionales de la lactancia en la duración del amamantamiento en dos filiaciones maternas

The objective was to assess the effect of breastfeeding promotion on breastfeeding duration in two consecutive children. This cross-sectional study was performed with a cohort of children born in a hospital, in Rio Grande do Sul, that complies with the “ten steps for successful breastfeeding”, whose siblings were born between 1995-2007, comprising the control group. Data collection from the sample (334 children) was performed using the Live Birth Reports and interviewing mothers in two stages (2003 and 2007). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and chi-square test were used to analyze duration of breastfeeding and its association with maternal, healthcare and children’s variables. A median duration of seven months was identified for both groups, with a sharp decline in the first 12 months. An association was found between diseases during pregnancy and early weaning. Breastfeeding promotion did not affect its duration in two consecutive children, suggesting a need to review current strategies. Descriptors: Breast Feeding; Weaning; Health Public Policy; Survival Analysis; Maternal-Child Nursing.