Incentivo a amamentação a partir da primeira consulta de pré-natal: importância para o crescimento e o desenvolvimento satisfatório das crianças

Abstract

Introduction: According to the Ministry of Health (2019), breast milk is considered the ideal and exclusive food for the first 6 months of life, without the need for any other food during this period. In this context, nurses play a crucial role in Primary Health Care Units (UBS), as they have direct contact with the mother and are responsible for providing guidance and management on the breastfeeding process. Objective: To analyze the importance of promoting breastfeeding in Primary Care, starting from the first prenatal consultation. Material and Method: This is a literature review conducted through an electronic search in the databases SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, and PUBMED. The subject descriptors used were "breastfeeding," "lactation," "prenatal care," and "early weaning." The scientific literature search was conducted for the last five years (2019 to 2024) in both Portuguese and English. Results and Discussion: Thirteen articles were selected that met the eligibility criteria for the study. Regarding the study design, 30.76% were cross-sectional studies. Most of the publications were investigations conducted in the South, Northeast, Southeast, and North regions of the country. Of the thirteen articles analyzed, eight (61.53%) highlighted two main deficiencies: the inadequacy of public health policies and the lack of knowledge among nurses about the vulnerabilities of pregnant women, emphasizing the need for improvements in these areas. Regarding breastfeeding, one of the major difficulties reported was the improper latch and positioning of the baby, mentioned in 69.23% of the indications, highlighting the importance of proper guidance for better success in this process. Additionally, the lack of information about the importance of breastfeeding for children's growth and development was pointed out in 91.66% of the indications, with the risk of harming infant metabolism. It is essential to adopt effective communication strategies, using appropriate channels and accessible educational materials, to ensure that all pregnant women receive clear and complete information. This supports adherence to care and promotes maternal and child health . Furthermore, we agree on the need to support women as breastfeeding mothers, starting lactation preparation during prenatal care, which contributes to the success of breastfeeding. The recommendation is to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to promote the health and well-being of the child. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring and health education are crucial tools to ensure adherence to exclusive breastfeeding and to promote comprehensive maternal-infant health.