Lactation and weaning patterns in Mexico National Health Survey 1986

The protective effect of breast milk and impact on infant mortality due to diarrheal disease have been well documented. There is evidence that close to a million infant deaths each year could be avoided through breast feeding. The period of weaning is recognized as critical in developing countries where infants in marginal and unprotected groups may be at great risk of malnutrition or infection. Data on 4846 children under 1 year of from Mexicos 1986 National Health Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of breast feeding and the average age at weaning in each Mexican state. The proportion of infants never breast fed ranged from 5.1% in Oaxaca and 8.5% in Guerrero to 33.8% in Baja California Sur and 34% in Baja California Norte. 19.9% of the total sample infants were breast fed for 3 months or less with the proportion ranging from 28.8% in Michoacan and 33.1% in Oaxaca to 50% in Morelos and 54.7% in the Federal District. The median duration of breast feeding at the national level was 1.10 months. The correlation between breast feeding and the proportion of houses with dirt floors indicates that at lower socioeconomic levels the incidence of breast feeding is higher. States with poor living conditions and high rates of breast feeding included Chiapas Oaxaca Guerrero and Michoacan. But no significant relationship was found between breast feeding and a source of potable water within the house. A relationship though not quite as strong was found between illiteracy in the population over 6 years and breast feeding. The proportion of infants weaned before 3 months ranged from 38.6% in chiapas to 83.3% in the state of Mexico.