Amamentação: desafio a ser enfrentado e vencido

Abstract

There are countless epidemiological evidences to reaffirm the undeniable benefits to children receiving only breast milk during the first six months of life and as a complement still the two years of age. Despite these evidences, the rates of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) early discontinuation are still high and is an important public health problem. This study aims to identify early weaning main causes and factors which influence decision and breast feeding time, risk or protection factors associated, in order to support the team in developing proposals which encourage breast feeding. It was done a literature review, from integrative review method, systematizing information on early weaning and factors that influence mother's decision. From literature review it was found out breast feeding success practice involves beyond mother's decision, factors such as family culture, socio-economic, social and professional support. In addition, educational activities that advocate breast feeding importance should be made harder and force by health professionals, being necessary to enable and encourage these professionals, so that investment in encourage breast feeding policies is considered a priority by health policy. It is essential to know and consider the early weaning determinants, which are linked to beliefs, values, social principles, among others, from that information it is possible to play in these factors prevention, so targeted and therefore more effective.