Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to assess breastfeeding self-efficacy and to verify exclusive breastfeeding maintenance in the first months after childbirth. Method: a prospective cohort study with 115 puerperal women attended at a public hospital in Parobé, Rio Grande do Sul. Data were collected from August to December 2018 using a characterization questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Exclusive breastfeeding maintenance was verified through telephone contact at 30 and 60 days postpartum. Descriptive and proportional analysis was performed. Results: most obtained scores compatible with high self-efficacy (91.3%). The protective factors for exclusive breastfeeding were being 27 years old or less, not having difficulties in breastfeeding in the first 24 hours, and being primigravida. There was no significant relationship between the score and exclusive breastfeeding permanence, although 27% had abandoned it in the 1st month, and 19% in the 2nd month. Conclusions: high scores show that women felt safe and capable of successfully breastfeeding. There is a need for improvement in health care in order to effectively encourage and support in order to obtain better rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that breastfeeding (BF) should remain exclusive until a child’s six months of life and maintained as a complement until, at least, two years of age
Even with dissemination and creation of BF incentive programs, recent studies have shown a low duration of Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), such as the one carried out in Recife, with 310 children, which found an average total BF duration of 182 days,[3] and another study carried out in João Pessoa, with 103 participants, which obtained an average of 60 days.[4]
This study aimed to assess BF self-efficacy and to verify EBF maintenance in the first months after childbirth. This is a prospective cohort study developed in a public hospital, located in the city of Parobé, Rio Grande do Sul, which is a reference in obstetric care for several cities in the region
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that breastfeeding (BF) should remain exclusive until a child’s six months of life and maintained as a complement until, at least, two years of age. Breast milk remains an important source of nutrients until the second year of life, especially proteins, fats, and vitamins.[1]. Despite all the benefits of BF, this, does not seem to be as instinctive as the human being, needing to be guided in its preparation and practice itself, requiring qualified health professionals.[2] Even with dissemination and creation of BF incentive programs, recent studies have shown a low duration of EBF, such as the one carried out in Recife, with 310 children, which found an average total BF duration of 182 days,[3] and another study carried out in João Pessoa, with 103 participants, which obtained an average of 60 days.[4]
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