Myths That Can Negativelly Affect Breastfeading in Perdizes, MG, Brazil

  • Kaline Kaelle Santos Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá
  • Aline do Carmo França-Botelho Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Weaning, Breastfeeding Myths.

Abstract

This is a quantitative and qualitative exploratory field study. It aimed at identifying myths that may negatively affect breastfeeding. This research was performed at the Basic Health Unit "Alderico Antônio Alves", which is a public service of the city of Perdizes, MG, Brazil. 83 mothers of children 0 to 2 years old participated in the study. The interviews were conducted in the waiting room, where mothers waited for vaccination, medical and child health care appointments. This study confirmed that there still are myths that can negatively affect the exclusive breastfeeding. The highest rates obtained in this study were: 74.7% of the women believe that there are women who have little milk; 36% say that their milk is week; 30.1% of the women say they do not produce milk; 16.9% of the women think breastfeeding makes breasts become flabby or saggy; 15.7% of the women believed that if the child burps while being breastfed, the breast may swell or the milk may dry. Considering this, we conclude that guidance for breastfeeding needs to be further elaborated to avoid early weaning.

Author Biographies

Kaline Kaelle Santos, Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá
Enfermeira graduada pelo Instituto de Ciências Saúde do Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá – UNIARAXÁ. E-mail: kalinesantos@ymail.com
Aline do Carmo França-Botelho, Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá
Docente do Instituto de Ciências Saúde do Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá – UNIARAXÁ. E-mail: alinecfb@terra.com.br
Published
2010-05-18
Section
Artigos Originais