Comparative study of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Mixed Breastfeeding in Infants aged 0 to 6 momths Admitted to the Cotonou / Benin Chu-Mel

The objective of this study is to compare the impact of exclusive breastfeeding and mixed breastfeeding on the nutritional and growth status of infants aged 0 to 6 months admitted to the CHU-MEL of Cotonou/Benin. Thus, we conducted a descriptive study among 30 breastfeeding mothers and took a sample of seventeen (17) infants aged 0 to 6 months. Anthropometric measurements and analyses of biochemical parameters were used to compare exclusive breastfeeding (AME) and mixed breastfeeding (Amixte). The results showed that the choice of breastfeeding type was not significantly influenced by the educational level of the mothers and their professions. Regarding the impact of the type of breastfeeding (AME and Amixte) on the general growth and nutritional status of the children, the analysis of anthropometric parameters did not reveal any significant differences between the two types of breastfeeding. In both cases, the children showed good growth and a satisfactory apparent nutritional status. The analysis of biochemical parameters revealed some metabolic dysfunctions in urea and total protein in both types of breastfeeding. However, the difference between the two types of breastfeeding is not significant, it should be noted that the dysfunctions are more important in the case of Amixte.