Midwifery professionals' perceptions of strategies for the promotion of breastfeeding in hospitalized neonates.

Abstract

Introduction: the World Health Organization defines breastfeeding as the optimal way to feed neonates, offering them nutrients and protection against disease. Breast milk is vital for the development of hospitalized neonates, having a positive impact on their favorable evolution. Thus, the implementation of strategies by professionals will have an impact on the future success of breastfeeding.

Objective: to explore the perception of midwives on some strategies used for the promotion of breastfeeding in hospitalized neonates in the Intermediate Treatment Unit, in hospitals of the Region of Valparaíso, Chile, in the years 2018-2021.

Methodology: qualitative research with descriptive approach was carried out, where 7 semi-structured interviews were conducted with midwives who worked in the Intermediate Treatment Units of Neonatology between 2018 and 2021. Content analysis was performed from the interviews.

Results: among the most relevant strategies were skin-to-skin contact, availability of a breastfeeding unit, maintaining an updated multidisciplinary team committed to supporting breastfeeding, and home pumping or mobile breastfeeding unit.

Conclusions: some aspects that should be worked on at the national level can be highlighted, such as training and updating of professionals working in neonatology regarding breastfeeding, investment in resources to support this process and the construction of a standardized norm to comprehensively accompany hospitalized newborns who receive breast milk.