Breastfeeding and Quilombola Population: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 (six) months of age comes from recommendations made by health agencies in Brazil and around the world, and is associated with good health and nutrition conditions of children and a greater probability of resistance to infections during growth, as well as reducing infant mortality rates. With regard to the nutritional situation of quilombola children, non-exclusive breastfeeding prevails over the years until the present time, with the introduction of other foods before six months. Objective: The general objective of this work was to understand the particularities of the quilombola population regarding breastfeeding. Methods: An integrative review was carried out, with a search based on descriptors in the main databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, five articles were selected for analysis. Results: The main results showed that: the practice of breastfeeding and feeding the child and the nursing mother are endowed with intergenerational beliefs and actions; difficulties in continuing breastfeeding are primarily associated with economic and housing vulnerability; prevalence of early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding; breastfeeding, even with the introduction of other foods, generally prolonged until the recommended age.