Breastfeeding in primary health care: weaknesses and potentialities of nursing care

Abstract

Objective: To identify the weaknesses and potentialities of nursing care for breastfeeding in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods: A qualitative study developed through workshops held in September 2021 with 43 nursing professionals. Results: Two categories emerged: “Weaknesses of breastfeeding nursing care in PHC” and “Potentialities of breastfeeding nursing care in PHC”. Weaknesses permeate the discourse, which is often not in line with the reality of the postpartum period, lack of theoretical and practical knowledge, cultural influences, short maternity and paternity leave, shortage of professionals, absence of meetings, inappropriate physical space, limited time for care, failure to address the issue and lack of training. Presented as potentialities are the availability of professionals for guidance in different environments, the work of community health agents, the existence of the Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health Center, the Municipal Breastfeeding Support Network, the use of technology and encouraging the participation of partners from prenatal to postpartum. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider the weaknesses identified in order to develop improvement actions focused on increasing breastfeeding indices. As for the strengths, they reflect successful practices that can support and guide other nursing services.

Keywords

• Breastfeeding
• Maternal and Child Health
• Nursing Care
• Primary Health Care
• Health promotion