Relación entre el tipo de lactancia suministrada y el gasto sanitario generado

Abstract

Breastfeeding has proven to be the best source of nourishment that newborns can receive; not only for its nutritional properties, but also for its extensive benefits, which effect: individuals, family members and society. Nowadays, the awareness of a change in both the practices and culture of breastfeeding must be given priority, since the current rate of lactating women is under the recommendations that both WHO and UNICEF offer. Keeping in mind the economic savings that breastfeeding can provide to our healthcare system, a survey of prospective cohorts (observational, analytical, longitudinal) was carried out with the main objective ¿to estimate the impact on the sanitary direct cost, due to child morbidity, associated with the introduction and maintenance of Exclusive Breastfeeding, unlike other ways to feed a baby, after a month, three months, and six months¿; The sample included mothers who live in Toledo, and were interviewed directly after childbearing, at one month, and again at six months. The results show that the prevalence of EB 6 months after birth is 19.49%. In addition, not feeding the NBB with BF during the first 6 months increases the sanitary costs 128.96% when compared to those who did BF, due to the excess of morbidity, larger use of sanitary resources, and increase in pharmacological consumption. Savings of 51, 255.769¬ a year in the Spanish healthcare system are estimated to take place with just a 50% increase of women who breastfeed their children for 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the profitability and efficiency of breastfeeding, it is necessary to conduct more research and collect information while continuing to encourage and support women who feed their babies in this way, in addition to the professionals who work for them.