Growth pattern of selected urban Chilean infants during exclusive breast-feeding

This report describes the growth pattern of healthy, low middle and low socioeconomic class Chilean infants during exclusive breast-feeding. Two-hundred forty-two infants who were on exclusive breast-feeding at day 30 postpartum entered the study. Of these, 59% were fully nursing at 6 months and grew at a normal rate without receiving either supplementary milk or nondairy food. Supplementary feedings were administered in 27% of cases because of suspected primary inadequate milk output and in 14% of cases for other reasons such as pregnancy, illness, maternal work, or self-prescription. Full nursing provided the highest rate of weight increase during the first 3 months of life and a greater weight gain for boys than for girls up to the age of 6 months. Gastrointestinal pathology, malnourishment, or hospitalization were rare events in this population. It is concluded that maternal milk alone, if produced in sufficient amounts, can maintain normal growth up to the 6th month of life. The study supports the choice of exclusive breast-feeding on demand plus child growth monitoring up to 6 months over routine prescription of supplements at earlier times particularly where supplement administration fails to meet individual requirements.