Lactancia materna. Mitos y creencias de la población urbana beneficiaria de un Centro de Desarrollo Infantil (CDI) de la ciudad de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Breast milk is the ideal natural food for newborns. The nutritional characteristics of breast milk promote healthy infant growth and help prevent infant morbidity and mortality, while also allowing for the development of an efficient immune system. The objective of this research is to identify the myths and beliefs of the population at a CDI (Center for Disability and Inpatient Care) in the urban area of ​​Loja. This cross-sectional, observational study used a qualitative approach to identify myths and beliefs about breastfeeding using focus groups. For quantitative data, a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted to observe mothers' knowledge, and this was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In this study, the most common myths were the consumption of carbohydrate-based beverages, wearing black clothing, and not going out during the waning moon. Each of these myths responds to a social reason that has been generated over time.