FEEDING PRACTICES AND NON-NUTRITIVE SUCKING HABITS IN CHILDREN FROM RURAL PARAÍBA Práticas de aleitamento e hábitos de sucção não nutritivos em crianças de área rural da Paraíba

Objectives: To verify the patterns of breastfeeding and frequency of non-nutritive sucking habits in children at Chã de Areia Family Health Unit (FHU) in Mogeiro-PB. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 71 mothers of children aged 0 to 24 months. The instrument was a structured interview, being performed by a single professional. Results: We found that 67 (94.4%) children were breast fed, being exclusive until 3months old in 35 (49.3%) of these. In relation to artificial feeding, 38 (53.5%) did it. Regarding the use of other forms of ingestion, spoons/cups were the most mentioned by 51 (71.8%) mothers. About 38 (53.5%) interviewers reported that the contents of the bottle mostly used was artificial milk associated to sugar and farinaceous dough, and 43 (60.2%) confirmed the presence of non-nutritive sucking habits. Conclusion: The practice of breastfeeding in the region was reported by many mothers; however we observed an early introduction of bottles and of other foods, especially artificial milk and/or sugar in the diet of children. The prevalence of habits was significant in the sample. Descriptors: Breast Feeding; Family Health Program; Habits; Feeding.