Aleitamento materno exclusivo: fatores que contribuem para o desmame precoce.

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding is until the sixth month of life, when complementary foods are started, and breastfeeding is beneficially held for mother and child up to two years or more. Despite the recognition of its importance as an ideal food for infants, early weaning is a common practice in our midst, contributing negatively on children's health. The research aimed to identify factors interfering in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding of children up to six months served in a unit of Family Health in a city of Paraiba, check the level of significance regarding breast-feeding for the mother to identify the factors contributing to early weaning, analyze the importance of Team Family Health in encouraging the practice of breastfeeding. This study is a field of exploratory and qualitative nature. The sample consisted of 12 mothers and mothers who were followed by Team Family Health Jose Leite Rolim during pregnancy and having children aged 0 to 6 months. Data collection was performed in November 2009, through individual interviews using a semi-structured, respecting the ethical aspects of research involving humans. All interviews were conducted and recorded after signing the consent form. Data analysis was performed using content analysis of Bardin, Minayo, which were identified and discussed five categories: The importance of breastfeeding, the feeding time, myths and taboos that influence early weaning, factors that contribute to the weaning and Health Team of the Family versus breastfeeding. The results and discussion in the present work to visualize the scenario in which the problem of early weaning fall, noting that the mothers surveyed recognize the importance of breast milk, but do not know why the report. It was found also that the left and lactating mothers to breastfeed exclusively due to the myths and taboos that still exist, as well as the influence of family and society. It is suggested that there is a rescue of perception about breastfeeding and recognition of the communication in the health work as a tool for social change.