Introdução alimentar precoce : fatores de influência e impactos no aleitamento materno

Abstract

Introduction: breastfeeding by itself is the ideal nutritious source for babies until six months old. Besides providing caloric intake allowing appropriate development and growth to the infant, is made of vitamins, minerals, sugars and proteins, being able to meet all the child nutritional needs. World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) by six months old, however, Brazil is known for its exclusive breastfeeding prevalence being lower than recommended, since socio-cultural environment where the breastfeeding women are inserted in may affect their postpartum practices. Objectives: identify which reasons are affecting the early food introduction of and what is its effect to the breastfeeding continuity. Methodology: this is an exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study, with qualitative approach whose participants were primiparous or multiparous women older than eighteen years of age, children older than six months of age and younger than one year old, belonged to the coverage area of Jacarandás Basic Health Unit located in Sinop – Mato Grosso. Data collection happened through a semi-structured script after the Ethics Committee approval by the opinion n° 4.040.316, CAAE nº 26662819.6.0000.8097. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and examined according to thematic analysis proposed by Minayo. Results: this study was attended by six women, between eighteen and fourtyfour years old. Only one of them did not do the early introduction of new foods. The higher level of education has shown being a favorable factor to the exclusive breastfeeding. Argument: after data analysis four categories emerged to support the arguments: The support network and its key role in the breastfeeding success; The infant’s health as a breastfeeding maintenance factor; Affective bonds related to brestfeeding; and The (lack of) guidance of medical professionals. Final remarks: it was observed that the largest prenatal appointments number has not yet determined the appropriate exclusive breastfeeding practices and the central axis motivation to early food introduction was the professional guidance attesting to a higher qualification of medical workers.