KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF PUERPERAL WOMEN RELATING TO BREASTFEEDING IN A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Breastfeeding (BF) has presented, among other benefits, a reduction in infant mortality, a prevention of respiratory infections and a reduction in the risks of developing diseases. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of puerperal in relation to BF in a university hospital, as well as the sources from which this information was obtained and the professional categories responsible for same. The work was carried out at the Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Uberlandia (HC-UFU). Structured interviews were conducted to obtain data for the evaluation of information and exercise of the BF practice with puerperal hospitalized in the accommodation complex, for mother and child, from July 1st to December 31st, 2010. Of the total of 907 women interviewed, 617 (68.0%) intended to BF for 12 months or more, 566 (62.4%) performed the BF within the first hour of birth, in 551 cases (60.8%) the decision to BF was taken by the woman before the current pregnancy and 828 (91.3%) received help in BF. Of the women who received help, 788 (95.1%) were assisted by professionals from the nursing team. It was shown that the majority of the puerperal intended to breast-feed for 12 months or more, considering that they also carried out BF in the first hour after child birth. The study also noted the importance of the nursing staff in taking care of the mother/child pair, promoting better interaction and acceptance of BF.