ALEITAMENTO MATERNO E PARENTALIDADE: UMA RELAÇÃO EM CONSTRUÇÃO

Abstract

Objective: To know how the construction that comprises the relationship between paternity and breastfeeding takes place. Method: This is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study with 15 parents who had children under two years of age that were being breastfed and were also being cared for in a Health Center. Those who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded: parents diagnosed with mental illness, those whose children had absolute contraindications to breastfeeding or who mothers were HIV positive. The time frame covered was from March to July 2019. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews. The Thematic Content Analysis Technique was used for data analysis. Results: from the data analysis three central categories emerged: paternal insertion in the breastfeeding process; paternal difficulties in participating in the breastfeeding process; gender issues and paternity. Final considerations: it was established that parents know the benefits of breastfeeding in the development and healthy growth of their children and are willing to participate in this process.