[The relation between maternal breast feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits].

This study sought to identify the type and duration of breastfeeding received by children and establish the association with non-nutritive suction habits. A retrospective, transversal study was conducted using a questionnaire given to 330 mothers or persons responsible for 3 to 6-year-old children registered in kindergartens in Araçatuba, State of São Paulo, after obtaining their free and informed consent. It was revealed that 86.4% of mothers breastfed their children. With respect to duration, only 33.4% of these mothers breastfed exclusively after 6 months. The average time of exclusive breastfeeding received by children was 3.84 months and complementary breastfeeding was 11.68 months. Of this total, 53.3% reported that their infants manifested non-nutritive suction habits and of these children, 70.45% were not exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, there being a significant association between both (p<=0.05). Pacifier use was the most frequent habit (44.4%), showing a statistically significant association with breastfeeding time (p<0.0001). It was concluded that breastfeeding was practiced, albeit for a lesser duration than considered indispensable for the baby's development, there being an association between duration and type of breastfeeding and non-nutritive suction habits.