Abstract
We assessed the effect of a programme promoting breastfeeding that included the participation of monitors chosen from the community and the combined follow-up of mother and child, in families of low socio-economic level. The results obtained in a non-governmental health centre (experimental group) were compared with those obtained in a health centre of the same geographic area (control group), in a cohort of 62 and 66 infants, respectively. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was significantly greater in the experimental group during the entire period. At six months, 41.9% of the children in the experimental group and none of the children in the control group were exclusively breastfed (p <<.01), and the percentages of children weaned were 1.6% and 378%, respectively. Height and weight were significantly higher in the experimental group from the fourth to the sixth month, with a lower level of malnutrition (p < .05). We conclude that a programme with active community participation can be effective in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving infant growth.