FACTORS RELATED TO EARLY WEANING AND THE ROLE OF NURSES IN PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING BREASTFEEDING - LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

For the newborn, breast milk is ideal, meeting all nutritional, psychological and immunological needs. Early weaning is still a problem in our country and is a matter of public health. The nurse has an important role when it comes to breastfeeding, as it will lead with information and answer questions from the pregnant/puerperal woman so that she feels confident and safe for the practice. Extending the above, this study aims to identify factors related to early weaning and the role of nurses in promoting breastfeeding. This was an integrative literature review, through the search for publications indexed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Academic Google database from August to September 2021 The results showed several difficulties related to the breastfeeding process, including variables involving the child, parents and external or environmental factors. Thus, socioeconomic and cultural factors, breast complications, mother's return to work, low education, maternal age, primary care, baby position, incorrect holding, care failures and lack of guidance were the most commonly found. It was also noted the importance of nurses, aiming to ensure the promotion of this practice, recognizing the difficulties and strengthening self-confidence. It is concluded that the initiatives to improve the demand for breastfeeding are within the care provided by nurses. Therefore, it appears that a well-provided assistance, involving guidance, monitoring and support for the mother and the newborn, can contribute to the reduction of early weaning.