Maternal insecurity in breastfeeding women served at a human milk bank

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to verify the prevalence and factors associated with maternal insecurity in breastfeeding with lactating women treated at a milk bank. Methods: cross-sectional study with secondary record data from January 2017 to December 2018 at the Human Milk Bank of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão. Results: a total of 891 lactating women were analyzed, of which 23.4% had maternal insecurity, being the second most prevalent complication. Most were young adults, married (68%), with complete higher education (64.9%) and family income above five minimum wages (32.5%). Regarding the obstetric history, the highest frequency was ofprimigravida (63.7%o), primiparous (70%), who had had seven or more prenatal appointments (91 %) in private health services (76.5%) where most births also occurred (78.6%), with cesarean section being the most prevalent mode of delivery (86.5%), 47.2% reported never having received guidance on breastfeeding and 80.7% were breastfeeding for the first time. There was a statistically significant relationship (p-value < 0.05) of maternal insecurity with the place where the prenatal care was performed and the place and mode of delivery. Conclusion: maternal insecurity was the second most prevalent breast complication among lactating women in the service. It stands out the need for adequate guidance and counseling on the subject, especially during prenatal care, contributing to avoid early weaning