[Family practices related to breast-feeding maintenance: literature review and meta-synthesis]

Abstract

Objective: To identify and summarize family practices related to the maintenance of breast-feeding.

Methods: We conducted a literature review and meta-synthesis of the findings of selected articles. Fourteen articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish between 1989 and 2009 were selected.

Results: The synthesis revealed five categories concerning family practices related to the maintenance of breast-feeding: 1) emotional support, which involves welcoming the mother and the baby, valuing and encouraging breast-feeding, and emphasizing the value of breast-feeding; 2) instrumental support, which covers attending prenatal consultations and home visits, participating in baby care, and providing help in everyday tasks beyond the first few weeks postpartum; 3) informational support, which involves stating the wish to be involved in breast-feeding and encouraging the mother, but not forcing her to share experiences; 4) presence support, which involves being close to the mother and taking the time to listen to her; and 5) self-support, which involves maintaining positive expectations about breast-feeding.

Conclusions: The results show that practices defined as support contribute to the maintenance of breast-feeding for longer periods. These findings underscore the need for expansion of the care provided to women, children, and families to include issues related to interpersonal interactions.