Risk factors for early weaning in the neonatal period: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Background: breast milk is the ideal food for children in the neonatal period, as it has all the necessary nutrients for their growth and healthy development. Despite these benefits, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is below the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Objective: to analyze the risk factors for early weaning in the neonatal period highlighted in national and international literature. Method: it was an integrative literature review indexed from the PUBMED, CINAHL, LILACS/BDENF/IBECS databases by VHL, WEB of SCIENCE and SCOPUS. The sample were 12 full papers published between 2001 and 2019. Results: psychological, anatomical and pathological risk factors were identified; introduction of artificial recipe/food supplementation; regarding to the breastfeeding technique; use of common tools such as pacifiers and bottles; return to employment and/or school activities. Conclusion: the analysis of the full papers showed the complexity of breastfeeding and the multifactorial nature of early weaning.