Insufficient lactation: a proposal for action by nurses

Abstract

Literature points hypogalactia as the most common cause of premature weaning in breastfeeding. It is caused by such factors as errors in breastfeeding techniques, premature use of feeding bottle or other foods in the baby’s diet, motherly anxiety and stress. This article intends, through a bibliographic review and the authors’ professional experience, to propose actions by nurses aiming at specific and qualified aid to mothers with deficient lactation. Considering that the work of nurses plays a fundamental role in a mother’s aid during the prenatal, birth, after-birth periods, it is essential that their actions should be based in actualized scientific knowledge, in order to develop an aid practice that prevents hypogalactia and premature weaning, contributing to lactation success.