CHALLENGES IN BREASTFEEDING OF PREMATURES ADMITTED TO A NEONATAL ICU: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is an isolated strategy that prevents infant deaths. It recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months, and may be complementary for up to two years. The theme of this study is challenges in the breastfeeding of premature infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit: an integrative review. Objective: to describe the challenges of the breastfeeding process of premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methodology: This is an integrative review, in the Scientific Electronic Library Online and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences databases (SCIELO) that are indexed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), in the period 2016 to 2021 regarding the research objective counting 15 articles. Result and Discussion: There are difficulties in breastfeeding preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, but it is important to establish conducts in the nursing team so that this process occurs in a way that facilitates the mother and the preterm infant. Conclusion: For this mother to have a good commitment to breastfeeding her premature baby during the hospitalization process, it is necessary that she has technical guidance, support and that public policies aimed at premature infants are implemented.