Evaluation of breastfeeding assistance actions developed by primary care professionals for women in the postpartum period

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate breastfeeding actions developed by primary health care professionals for postpartum women. Methods: Evaluative research of the implementation analysis type with a quantitative and qualitative approach, through multiple case studies (three municipalities in the southern region of Brazil), with 31 postpartum women and 24 health professionals, through semi-structured interviews and analysis of medical records. Results: Case 3 achieved the best performance, presenting a satisfactory degree of implementation (84%), when compared to Case 1 (64%) and Case 2 (52%) with partial implantation. The criterion “recommendation and promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months” and “prevention, identification and treatment of problems related to breastfeeding” the three cases proved to be partially sufficient and in the criterion “drug therapy is reviewed, with attention to contraindications due to breastfeeding” were all sufficient. There was a notable incipience assistance during the physical examination, in postpartum guidance and in assistance to multiparous women, however, there was assistance in providing guidance on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months and in the use of medications. Conclusion: There is a need for changes in the points of failure during care for postpartum women and that the positive points must remain and be reinforced.