Pet-saúde in identifying the knowledge of pregnant women about breastfeeding - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i3.15386

Abstract

The objective was to identify the knowledge about breastfeeding of 20 pregnant women in prenatal care in primary health care at Uberaba, Minas Gerais. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study developed in July 2011 through structured interviews, which analysis was based on descriptive statistics. Issues related to the recommendations widespread in the media and health services, as the ideal time to first feeding, the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding and use of artificial pacifiers and bottles had more hits than errors. Issues related to the management of breastfeeding as the feeding duration, interval between feedings and the maintenance and increasing of milk production had more errors than hits. Most women could not answer questions relating to the management of complications and problems like breast engorgement and nipple fissures, which also showed no incorrect answers. This situation reflects the lack of ability of health professionals to promote breastfeeding.  In this context the work of Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde - PET-Saúde is highlighted.