As redes sociais de apoio ao aleitamento materno: uma pesquisa ação

Abstract

The research discusses the social networks of support to breastfeeding in a Family Health Unit from theoretical contributions on the social networks, considered as a web of established relationships between people and their consequences on individual and collective behavior, and the theory of the gift that reveals the comprehension of social interactions, bonds, exchange and reciprocity that circulate symbolic goods essential to the establishment of ties strengthening the network and the practice of breastfeeding. The general objective was analyze the social networks of support for encouraging the breastfeeding and develop actions in view of its strengthening; and as specific objectives: to map the social networks to support women in pregnancy and post childbirth, develop educational activities for stimulating BF involving social support networks and analyze the results of educational activities from the perspective of the participants. The research type was the action developed, divided in four phases: the exploratory phase, the planning phase, the action phase and the evaluation phase, with a qualitative approach. Took place at an area next to the Family Health Unit - Center in the city of Parnamirim, state of Rio Grande do Norte, and the research subjects consisted of eight women in exclusive breastfeeding. Data were collected at different phases through interviews, field diary records and focus groups. Were analyzed by developing ecomap; report of the actions developed and use of the thematic analysis technique content. The results revealed that the nuclear family has a very strong relationship with the mother, highlighting the partner (father) and mother (grandmother) as most influential members of the social network. The educational activities consisted of three types of activities that are complementary: home visits, conversations circles and interaction of a virtual group using the app WhatsApp, that were motivating strengthening of the network, helping to encourage the continuation of breastfeeding. The analysis of the voices of the subjects participants affirmed the importance of the support network for the practice of breastfeeding, involving relations of exchange and personhood in which circulated positive gifts, generating feelings of recognition, affection, solidarity and satisfaction for having lived the experience.