Reflexões acerca da amamentação: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide the ideal food for the healthy growth and the development of the newly born. However, it is noticed that a latent tendency exists to premature weaning and the mixed breastfeeding, turning it a public health problem. So, the present study aims to contemplate concerning about the process that involves breastfeeding, especially the exclusive breastfeeding, in Brazil, by bibliographical revision. A scientific studies search was accomplished in Virtual Library in Health database (Lilacs and Scielo), in Portuguese and English languages, from 1999 to 2009, using the search descriptors: breastfeeding; maternal breastfeeding; exclusive maternal breast feeding; exclusive breastfeeding and premature weaning. Besides, Health Ministry programs and protocols were consulted, as well as World Health Organization / Panamerican Health Organization documents, technical books, scientific magazines, theories and master's degree dissertations. The revision showed that besides the biological and psychological factors, a wide spectrum of social, economical and cultural factors interferes in a negative way in the breastfeeding. Therefore, breastfeeding process needs correct interventions by professionals as well as of public health politics to reach excellence.