Social factors that influence breastfeeding of premature newborns: Descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: describe the social dimensions that enhance and/or interfere with breastfeeding. Method: Descriptive study with qualitative approach, with the participation of 30 mothers and performed in the outpatient segment of newborns discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Municipal Maternity of Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected from a semi-structured questionnaire in the period from July to August 2008, after approval of the CEP SMS/RJ, Protocol 89/08, with 30 mothers and it was analyzed according to the Theory of Cultural Care of Madeleine Leininger. Results: were identified four categories: technological influences in nursing, family and social support in breastfeeding; influences of culture and previous family experiences in lactation and the biological aspects and breastfeeding. Conclusion: The factors are intertwined and are influential among themselves within the social structure of women in the breastfeeding process.