Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to identify maternal and neonatal factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge from a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: a cross-sectional study using secondary data from 22,136 records of newborns hospitalized in a neonatal unit (2009-2022). Maternal and neonatal variables and feeding practices at discharge were analyzed. Bayesian logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS: exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge was 91.55%. Negatively associated factors were cesarean delivery (OR: 0.90), illicit substance use (OR: 0.30), low birth weight (OR: 0.84), and cleft lip and palate (OR: 0.15). Breastfeeding counseling and labor and delivery support promoted exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: despite the high prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge, barriers persist that must be addressed through promotion strategies, staff training, and support for mothers at risk.