AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING UNTIL THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF LIFE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Exclusive breast feeding brigs uncountable benefits in long-term to mother and baby. Stands out the child immunologic protection, the low risk of mother develops breast cancer and diabetes, as well as the fortification of mother and child relationship. However, even with all these benefits, the exclusive breast feeding prevalence until the six first months of life in Brazil is about 38,6%, lower than Ministry of Health reference numbers. This study has the objective of aware the population of Nova Águas Lindas Basic Unit of Health, in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil, about the importance of exclusive breast feeding until six months of life. METHODS: This study is a descriptive experience report done as an intervention project fulfilled with awareness lectures about the theme to Nova Águas Lindas population, mainly to Community Health Agents and pregnant women. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: During the lectures, the community participation was very helpful to project execution. Through them, the researchers could clarify many doubts and myths related to this subject. The project could reach more than the expected public, people of different ages participated and increased discussion in a very positive way. Therefore, it is possible to conclude the project brought constructive results to community and exclusive breast feeding until the first six months of life is a topic that involves many doubts to population, being important the realization of other projects with this thematic, in order to instruct people in the best way, promoting protection and support to exclusive breast-feeding.