The decision to breastfeed during adolescence: a study in cultural perspective

Abstract

Aim: to know how the decision to breastfeed was culturally constructed during adolescence, by a group of women. Method: field study, descriptive, qualitative, developed with eight women. The data were collected through semi-structured interview, and analyzed under the thematic content analysis of operative proposal. Results: the decision to breastfeeding is connected to cultural heritage, transmitted through generations and characterized by family influences, the previous experiences of other women and the knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding for the child. The guidance provided by health professionals and captured in the media is also involved. Conclusion: the decision to breastfeed is a learning process, built in the context in which women are included. Thus, the contribution of this study is to look at enlargement on breastfeeding, recognizing it as a practice influenced by culture