Discourses of primiparous mothers regarding the practice of breastfeeding

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective child health interventions to promote the child's health and should be exclusive until the sixth month of life. Objective: To investigate the speeches of primiparous mothers regarding the practice of breastfeeding in the municipality of Mamonas in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method: This is a descriptive, qualitative study, carried out with 13 primiparous women. Data were collected from August to September 2022 through an interview analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Results: The informants highlight the importance of breastfeeding as the presence of the necessary vitamins for the baby's nutrition in the first six months of life, the prevention of diseases in the child and the strengthening of the bond between the binomial mother and child, however, they indicated that the offer guidance on breastfeeding is neglected by the team during prenatal care. Difficulties in breastfeeding are due to fissures and breast engorgement, inverted nipples and psychological pressure from professionals. Conclusion: It is assumed that this study can contribute to making health professionals aware of the need to reflect on their conduct with pregnant women, in relation to awareness of breastfeeding and breast complications.