[Determinants of breastfeeding in the Brussels Region].

Purpose: The objectives of this paper is to study the prevalence of breastfeeding in Brussels, to assess whether the targets of the Maternal and Child Health program (MCH) were met (prevalence's of breastfeeding of 85 and 75% of exclusive breastfeeding) and finally to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at the birth.

Materials And Method: The cross-sectional survey is representative of children 18 to 24 months living in Brussels. Data on breastfeeding are anamnestic and retrospective. A face to face questionnaire was administered by trained investigators, 16 questions about breastfeeding as well socio-demographic information were collected from 544 mothers. The survey took place in 2012.

Results: At the birth, 83.3% (95% CI 80.1-86.4) of mothers exclusively breastfed and 9.7% of the mothers (7.3-12.2) partially. When discharged from maternity unit, 80.9% (77.6-84.2) of mothers breastfed exclusively and 9.7% (7.3-12.2) partially. When fitting a logistic model, predictors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at the birth were gestation, type of birth, father's education level and the main influencing factor was the partner's attitude.

Discussion: The targets of the MCH were reached in Brussels. Until now, transversal surveys are the only way of knowing the prevalence and the factors associated with breastfeeding in Brussels. These first representative data on breastfeeding came from the 2012 vaccine coverage survey. Given the primary role of the father in choosing a breastfeeding it is necessary that the father is more often taken into account in regard to the promotion of AM during the prenatal period. A rigorous use of definitions of AM should be systematized.