PERCEPTIONS OF PUERPERAS REGARDING THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING IN THE FIRST HOUR FOLLOWING BIRTH

Abstract

125PERCEPTIONS OF PUERPERAS REGARDING THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING IN THE FIRST HOUR FOLLOWING BIRTHKarla Cecília Celestino Moura1, Priscilla Ferreira Gonçalves1, Joanilva Ribeiro Lopes2, Paulo Henrique Tolentino Moura3, Antônio Prates Caldeira4, Lucinéia de Pinho5ABSTRACT: Early breastfeeding is a strategy for promoting breastfeeding in Brazil, but few studies have evaluated the application of this practice from the point of view of the mothers. The puerperas’ perceptions regarding breastfeeding in the first hour following birth were investigated, using a qualitative approach. The data were collected observing ethical principles and the reports were classified in the following categories: What is breast milk; The benefits of early breastfeeding for mother and child; and, guidance and practice of early breastfeeding. Although they recognize breast milk as an appropriate food for the baby’s development, the puerperas have only general information about breastfeeding, and the majority are unaware of the theory and practice of early breastfeeding. The findings indicate the need to raise pregnant women’s awareness regarding the importance of early breastfeeding during the prenatal monitoring.

Keywords

• Breastfeeding
• Mothers
• Child's health