Amamentação de bebês prematuros: benefícios, desafios e estratégias de promoção e atenção continuada

Abstract

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as one of the most effective interventions for promoting child health and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the exclusive source of nutrition during the first six months of life, and as a complementary food up to two years of age or beyond. This study aimed to analyze the main challenges, benefits, and management strategies related to breastfeeding in preterm infants, based on a review of recent scientific literature. The methodology consisted of a qualitative bibliographic review, which analyzed 72 scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024, sourced from PubMed and BVS (Virtual Health Library, including LILACS and SciELO) databases. The results showed that breast milk offers numerous benefits to preterm infants, including improved neurological and cognitive development, immunological and gastrointestinal protection, and healthier physical growth. However, the practice of breastfeeding in this group faces significant challenges, such as maternal emotional barriers (fear, anxiety, insecurity), physiological immaturity of the infant (difficulty with sucking and swallowing), and systemic and institutional obstacles (early separation, use of artificial nipples, lack of adequate support). To overcome these challenges, effective strategies were identified, such as continuous support and counseling, the implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care, institutional policies for breastfeeding protection, access to human milk banks, and psychosocial support. The publications made it clear that breastfeeding preterm infants is a complex yet invaluable process that requires an integrated and humanized approach, focusing on professional training, family support, and continuity of care, aiming to optimize the health and developmental outcomes of these infants.