Mother and child health incentive through breastfeeding in a basic health unit

Abstract

Objective: Although breastfeeding should bring benefit to mother and baby’s health, public policies are important in order to avoid early weaning. One of them is the Primary Care Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative (IUBAAM), proposed by the Health State Secretary of Rio de Janeiro (SES-RJ), and it intended to strengthen the primary health care staff. The objective of this study is to present the changes which have occurred in a Family Basic Health Unit (UBSF) after IUBAAM certification in May 2011. Methods: Four health professionals were interviewed at UBSF Village Health (UBSF VS) 2 members of the technical team and 2 community health agents. The questions were related to the changes in IUBAAM implementation for the staff involved and for the assisted population. In addition, we analyzed the number of maternal and child care consultations (prenatal, postpartum and child care) and the breastfeeding rate in the 6 years, prior the implementation of IUBAAM (2008, 2009 and 2010) and after it (2011, 2012 and 2013). Results: The results indicate an increase in maternal and child indicators, such as number of visits to pregnant women, breastfed children and children accompanied by the unit. Analyzing the interviews, it was also noted the strengthening of the bond between the UBSF Village Health staff and the assisted population, as well as an increase in motivation due to the winning of this title. Conclusions: In addition to presenting positive results, this study underscores the importance of continued work and training of a group of promoters of breastfeeding mothers, along with the staff.