Breastfeeding-related demands in Brazilian primary health care: a pilot study for a multidimensional approach
1
Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
2
Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Human Communication, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
3
Undergraduate Course in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2231
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Breastfeeding in primary health care involves biological, social, and contextual dimensions that shape the experience1-2. This study aimed to analyze the pilot phase of a study on breastfeeding-related demands in primary health care, based on the perceptions of breastfeeding individuals and observation of infant feeding.
METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with ethical approval. Three breastfeeding individuals aged 18 years or older and their infants were recruited from routine childcare follow-up at a Primary Health Care Unit in a Brazilian medium-sized city. Data collection included: (1) a researcher-developed questionnaire on sociodemographic profile; (2) the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion (CCEB); (3) a semi-structured interview addressing breastfeeding-related demands; and (4) observation of the breastfeeding dyad using the Breastfeeding Observation Protocol. Data analysis included descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative clinical content analysis to assess instrument calibration and study feasibility.
RESULTS:
All participants were women (n=3), with a mean age of 28.3 years (±5.18), heterosexual, mostly self-identified as White (n=2), married, with completed secondary education (n=2) and formal employment (n=2). None reported alcohol or tobacco use. Two participants had experienced a single pregnancy, and all denied gestational complications. All reported positive feelings about pregnancy, two of which were planned. All completed prenatal care; two had vaginal deliveries and one a cesarean section, all in public hospitals. Neonatal complications included intensive care admission (n=1) and phototherapy (n=1). All reported complementary feeding due to food introduction; two exclusively breastfed until six months and one until four months. Breastfeeding observation indicated adequate positioning, latch, and sucking in all dyads. Interviews highlighted health professional guidance and social support as facilitators of breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS:
The pilot phase confirmed methodological feasibility and instrument adequacy, identifying positive breastfeeding practices and the facilitating role of professional guidance and support networks, supporting continuation in larger samples.
Breastfeeding in primary health care involves biological, social, and contextual dimensions that shape the experience1-2. This study aimed to analyze the pilot phase of a study on breastfeeding-related demands in primary health care, based on the perceptions of breastfeeding individuals and observation of infant feeding.
METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with ethical approval. Three breastfeeding individuals aged 18 years or older and their infants were recruited from routine childcare follow-up at a Primary Health Care Unit in a Brazilian medium-sized city. Data collection included: (1) a researcher-developed questionnaire on sociodemographic profile; (2) the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion (CCEB); (3) a semi-structured interview addressing breastfeeding-related demands; and (4) observation of the breastfeeding dyad using the Breastfeeding Observation Protocol. Data analysis included descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative clinical content analysis to assess instrument calibration and study feasibility.
RESULTS:
All participants were women (n=3), with a mean age of 28.3 years (±5.18), heterosexual, mostly self-identified as White (n=2), married, with completed secondary education (n=2) and formal employment (n=2). None reported alcohol or tobacco use. Two participants had experienced a single pregnancy, and all denied gestational complications. All reported positive feelings about pregnancy, two of which were planned. All completed prenatal care; two had vaginal deliveries and one a cesarean section, all in public hospitals. Neonatal complications included intensive care admission (n=1) and phototherapy (n=1). All reported complementary feeding due to food introduction; two exclusively breastfed until six months and one until four months. Breastfeeding observation indicated adequate positioning, latch, and sucking in all dyads. Interviews highlighted health professional guidance and social support as facilitators of breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS:
The pilot phase confirmed methodological feasibility and instrument adequacy, identifying positive breastfeeding practices and the facilitating role of professional guidance and support networks, supporting continuation in larger samples.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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