The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to synthesize the data available in the literature on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding until the baby's six months of life and the role of the nursing team in this process. Methodology: This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study that was carried out through an integrative literature review, with the aim of understanding and discussing the importance of breastfeeding up to six months and the role of the nursing team in this process. Results: Showed that the nursing team has the responsibility to encourage humanized care, ensuring that the assistance provided is respectful and welcoming. Discussion: Professional nurses play a very important role in promoting, teaching and defining breastfeeding, especially for young people and primiparous women. Physical problems such as milk retention, breast inflammation, obstruction of the milk ducts, nipple injuries, breast wounds, infections and others make breastfeeding difficult. These conditions often lead to stopping breastfeeding and starting formula with processed milk. Professional guidance, group meetings, family participation during the breastfeeding period, prenatal consultations, intervention plans based on the training and education needs of professionals who work in this process, are valuable strategies to instruct and encourage breastfeeding. Final Considerations: In this sense, the relevance of the nurse's role in enabling breastfeeding is highlighted, and should direct educational practice with the aim of reducing difficulties and improving the conditions that facilitate breastfeeding.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Infants; Nutrition.