USE OF INFANT FORMULA FOR NEWBORNS IN MATERNITY HOSPITALS: REFLECTIONS ON BREASTFEEDING AND THE ROLE OF PRIMARY CARE

Introduction/Objectives: According to global recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding is suitable from birth to six months of life. Infant formulas (IF) should be offered when there are contraindications to breast milk, as in cases of mothers with HIV. Researches shows that there is an excessive use of IF in maternity hospitals and that the infants who received it over there tend to continue at home. Thus, primary care, especially the Family Health Program (FHP), plays an important role in the clinical management of cases and mothers’ orientation. This study aims to analyze the perception of mothers, whose newborns received IF in the hospital, about breastfeeding and the function of the FHP in this context. Method: Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with six mothers accompanied by FHP in Petropolis, RJ, whose children received IF in the maternity hospital. Results/conclusions: The mothers’ speech showed that breastfeeding is still a subject full of myths and beliefs, as "she received artificial milk because it was cesarean section" and "I thought that my breast was already not enough to sustain him". It was also observed the influence of the use of IF in the hospital - "maybe if they had not given artificial milk in the maternity hospital I would have less courage to start now"; and the importance of support from FHP team - "I gave baby bottle because I had no experience of breastfeeding correctly, after the third day she could go to the chest because the station has taught me to handle very well."