HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ ROLE IN PRO-BREASTFEEDING ACTIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This integrative literature review aims to investigate the content of the scientific production regarding professionals’ practices in the implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. The articles were selected in October 2012, in the LILACS and MEDLINE databases. 187 studies were identified; after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were analyzed. Data analysis was undertaken based on categorization in thematic units, with identification of the variables of interest and key concepts, allowing the identification of three issues: The impact of the implantation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative; The consolidation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding; and The professional practice directed at the promotion of breastfeeding. It is ascertained that the professional practice is still presented in a reductionist form, which evidences the need for the review.

Keywords

• Breast feeding
• Health personnel
• Health services