[Cultural practices about breastfeeding among families enrolled in a family health program].
The objective of this study was to identify the cultural practices about breastfeeding among families enrolled in a Family Health Program (FHP). This exploratory study was performed in the city of Pentecoste (Ceará, Brazil), with 15 mothers who showed some restrictive factor for breastfeeding. Data collection was through direct observation and semi-structured interviews. The analysis revealed empirical categories of pleasure in breastfeeding and the prevention of diseases; influence from family/community; and the difficulty to sustain breastfeeding. The mothers reported difficulties related to the practice of breastfeeding, a lack of adequate health service support involving not only biological but also social and cultural factors. There is a disconnection between the scientific discourse and families' everyday cultural practices.
Frota
Mirna Albuquerque
MA
Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. mirnafrota@unifor.br
Mamede
Ana Lúcia e Silva
AL
Vieira
Luiza Jane Eyre de Souza
LJ
de Albuquerque
Conceição de Maria
Cde M
Martins
Mariana Cavalcante
MC
D001938:Brazil; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans