EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING: EVALUATION OF THE DETERMINANT FACTORS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON PRACTICE

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), is characterized by the provision of only breast milk, as a form of feeding, to children who are up to 6 months old. This practice promotes advantages for the health of the mother and the baby, but it still faces several challenges that compromise its effectiveness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of EBF by women assisted at the Paulo Frota Health Strategy, in the municipality of Ananindeua, in the state of Pará. It followed a longitudinal, prospective, qualitative and quantitative approach, divided into three stages (before the birth of the children, one month after and 6 months after), with the application of a questionnaire in each one. Pregnant women between 35 and 40 weeks of gestation, who underwent prenatal care at the Paulo Frota Health Strategy, between August 2023 and September 2024, were included. Regarding the results obtained, most mothers consisted of young adults, with complete high school or incomplete higher education, with an income below 2 minimum wages, in a stable union or married, self-declaring themselves brown. The previous knowledge of this public about EBF was considered sufficient, but reinforced, through the theoretical-practical teaching promoted by the authors of this work. Most mothers were able to perform EBF in the first hour of their children's lives, received family support and professional support, and a significant portion managed to complete the 6 months of the practice. They also stated that they recommend exclusive breastfeeding to other mothers and had seen the advantages of this action for their children. Therefore, this study reveals that there are determining factors in the success of the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and that measures such as theoretical-practical educational strategies can act as factors to mitigate the possible obstacles that the maternal public may face, favoring a positive and efficient experience.