Breastfeeding practices among postpartum women during nursing consultations in a primary health care center

Abstract

This is a descriptive and exploratory study that aims to assess the breastfeeding practices among postpartum women in a primary health care center, as well as to evaluate the steps for a successful breastfeeding during a nursing consultation. The sample was composed by 13 women who took their children to a nursing consultation in a primary health care center in the city of Rio de Janeiro. A specific form was used to collect data. Results show that 84.6% (n=11) of the patients used both breasts to feed their babies; 76.9% (n=10) offered unrestricted breastfeeding, and 38.4% (n=5) referred that breastfeeding time was approximately 20 minutes. It is recommended to maintain a support network for postpartum women, newborns and their families to provide a successful breastfeeding.