Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre lactancia materna en minorías étnicas colombianas

Introduction: Breastfeeding has benefits for both mother and baby. The attitudes, knowledge, influences of relatives, close people and health personnel can positively influence the moment of breastfeeding, as well as the influence of close people, health personnel and family members. Objective:Describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as the factors related to the decision to breastfeed in the case of Afro-descendant and indigenous breastfeeding mothers who attend the growth and development program in Jamundí, Colombia. Methods and materials: Descriptive qualitative study with an ethnographic perspective carried out in the municipality of Jamundí with the participation of 27 mothers between the ages of 18 and 49 who consider themselves to be part of indigenous or Afro-descendant ethnic groups. The main instrument for generating information was the semi-structured interview. Results: Many of the mothers interviewed have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding. In addition, they showed basic knowledge despite not having been trained on previous occasions. Conclusion: The practices are influenced by family and social factors.