Breastfeeding of children with microcephaly in the context of the zika virus

Abstract

Objective: To understand the perceptions of breastfeeding of mothers of children with microcephaly. Method: Descriptive, qualitative study with 12 women conducted at the outpatient clinic of Hospital Regional Materno Infantil de Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil, between March and May 2019. The participants were mothers affected by the Zika syndrome in the 2015-2016 outbreak who conceived children with microcephaly. The statements were submitted to content analysis. Results: The following categories emerged from the women’s statements: maternal feelings towards microcephaly; mothers’ knowledge about microcephaly; microcephaly and breastfeeding; challenges in caring for a child with microcephaly; future care perspectives. Final considerations: Breastfeeding in the context of Zika contributes to improving the quality of life of children with microcephaly. This study contributes to the promotion of breastfeeding children with microcephaly, aiming to promote and support this practice.