THE NURSE'S PERFORMANCE IN THE PROMOTION OF BREASTFEEDING DURING THE PUERPERIUMTITLE

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the contributions of nursing to the promotion of breastfeeding during the postpartum period, identifying how professional support influences adherence, confidence, and continuity of exclusive breastfeeding. An integrative literature review was conducted using the BVS and CAPES Periodicals databases, utilizing articles published between 2020 and 2025 that addressed the role of nurses in breastfeeding. Systematic search strategies, eligibility criteria, and data organization as proposed by Bardin were used. The results demonstrated that nurses play an essential role in prenatal care and the postpartum period, offering guidance on latch, positioning, prevention of complications, emotional support, and family involvement. It was evidenced that educational practices, humanized support, and communication technologies reduce early weaning and strengthen the mother-baby bond. It is concluded that continuous and evidence-based nursing care promotes better maternal and child health outcomes and reinforces the importance of professional training to expand support for postpartum women.