SOCIAL NETWORKS THAT SUPPORT WOMEN DURING BREASTFEEDING

Abstract

This was an integrative literature review, with the aim to describe the social networks that support women during breastfeeding. The search took place in January 2014 with the following inclusion criteria: articles written in Portuguese, English and Spanish, published from 2004 to 2013, available on the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System on-line databases, using the “social conditions, social support, breastfeeding and family” descriptors. Twenty-three articles in Portuguese and three in English were found. After analysis, three categories were defined: family support; support from health professionals and social support. In conclusion, partners, grandmothers and female figures (sisters, aunts) were the women’s most cited social agents. Health professionals form an important support network for continuing breastfeeding.

Keywords

• Breastfeeding
• Social support
• Social conditions
• Family