Evaluation of growth and development in breast-fed infants throughout 0-36 months

Objectives: World Health Organization recommendsexclusive breastfeeding for first six months. The aim ofthis study was to evaluate the duration of breast-feeding,time of starting complementary foods, growth and developmentof infants aged 0-36 months and the factors affectedthem.Materials and methods: The anthropometric measuresof infants performed. The data were obtained through aquestionnaire and face to face interviews.Results: Duration of breastfeeding was between 1and 25months (mean 9, 31±5, 66); duration of exclusive breastfeedingwas between 1 week and 10 months (mean 4,67±1, 91 months). Duration of breastfeeding in infants atthe 25th percentile was statistically significant higher thaninfants at 50 th percentile (p: 0,033; p>0, 05) There wasno statistically significant difference between the durationof breast-feeding according to height percentiles (p>0,05).Conclusions: In our study, although the breast-fed infantshave lower weights than infants fed with formula,their heights were not affected. In spite of the long durationof brest-feeding, positive affects have not been detected.It is thought that the mothers have importance ofgiving information about breastfeeding to mothers beforeand after birth.Key words: Breast milk, formula, complementary food,growth and development