Aleitamento materno: benefícios, dificuldades e desafios no cenário pandêmico da Covid-19

Abstract

The world recently witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented challenges for health professionals, particularly nurses. One of these challenges was the practice of breastfeeding, because the physical isolation used to contain the coronavirus made exchanges between professionals and breastfeeding mothers difficult, implying early weaning. This study aims to identify the difficulties and challenges that will be encountered during the breastfeeding process as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of methodology, it is a narrative review of the literature, a qualitative research, and a sample based on 48 literatures. The results and discussion of this study were divided into three parts. The breastfeeding process is approached in the first instance - history, anatomy, physiology, the importance of breastfeeding and policies in defense of this act, and breastfeeding practice during the pandemic period. Following that, the benefits of breastfeeding were discussed, emphasizing the benefits for both mother and child and identifying the factors that lead to early weaning. And in the third stage, it is discussed how the performance and assistance of the nursing professional, as well as the challenges for public health, are approached. It is concluded that, even if the mother is aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, there are numerous other factors that contribute to early weaning. Furthermore, nursing professionals must learn more about how mothers think about and act on the practice of breastfeeding. It is also critical to evaluate professional actions and rethink new strategies while taking into account the gender profile as well as socioeconomic and cultural factors.