Resumo

LANZA, Oscar et al. Indiscriminate use of breast milk substitutes and its impact on the Bolivian family economy. Cuad. - Hosp. Clín. [online]. 2016, vol.57, n.1, pp. 25-30. ISSN 1652-6776.

Objective: To estimate proportion of the monthly family budget allocated for artificial feeding of infants and discuss the social and some epidemiological factors related to breastfeeding. Methods: An operative survey has been conducted interviewing mothers attending outpatients pediatric Unit of "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uria " Children's Hospital, which included only interviews to mothers breastfeeding just infants under one year, searching data about type of feeding, preferences of formula; cost of each of the different formulas, volume of formula recommended to use monthly budget. Results: in the group of 0-6 months of age 18% of mothers offer exclusive breastfeeding, while mixed feeding is preferred by 58% and 24% use exclusively just formula. In the group of babies of 6 to 12 months 8% receive breast milk, while , 63% offer mixed breastfeeding and formulas, and just formulas in offer to 29%. The first 6 months an average of 30 cans are consumed, involving an estimate expenditure of Bs. 5.530.- (USD 801.-) and Bs. 5.202 (USD 754.-) in the next 6 months, depending on the formula brand, infant age, type of feeding bottle used

Palavras-chave : breastfeeding; breast milk; substitutes; family finances; costs.