Prevalence and factors associated with early weaning: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the breastfeeding theme, especially regarding the practice importance and its prevalence, highlighting the factors associated with early weaning. Methods: Integrative literature review, using the databases SciELO, Bireme, Scholar Google, LILACS and Medline with the descriptors breastfeeding, prevalence and weaning. Papers in Portuguese, Spanish and English, published in the period from 2009 to 2019, were included. Results: The research, based on 29 works selected, pointed out that there are significant regional variances in the BF prevalence and that the early discontinuation may be associated with environmental conditions and/or related the mother; maternal knowledge, beliefs and taboos play a major role in the continuity of BF and in the child"™s dietary introduction pattern. Conclusion: It is necessary to adapt and strengthen professional listening in the sense of providing assistance that welcomes doubts, fears and uncertainties, shaped by the environment in which pregnant women and nursing mothers are inserted.