(Con) vivência de mães de prematuro na amamentação durante a pandemia Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity is a public health issue, responsible for the majority of cases of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The birth of a premature baby in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbates the emergence of doubts and uncertainties in the face of the unknown, as well as amplifies the isolation of caregivers of premature babies. Objective: To understand the challenges faced in the breastfeeding process by mothers who had premature babies during the period of strict social distancing due to Covid-19. Method: This is a qualitative research characterized as descriptive and exploratory, with Oral History as the theoretical-methodological framework. It was conducted in the municipality of Sobral from September to December 2023. Participants were women who had premature babies from June to December 2020, monitored by the Coala Project. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and for the analysis and processing of empirical material, Thematic Content Analysis by Bardin was used. The study was submitted to the Ethics and Research Committee (CEP) of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and received favorable opinion Nº. 6.233.858. Results and Discussions: Fourteen women were interviewed, and based on the content processed in the study, three main axes were elaborated using thematic content analysis: "Being a mother of a premature baby in times of pandemic: experiences and challenges"; "Breastfeeding a premature newborn during the pandemic"; "Support networks and coping strategies of mothers of premature babies born during the pandemic". Mothers highlighted increased stress, anxiety, and fear due to initial separation and limitations in skin-to-skin contact, exacerbated by fear of contamination and social isolation, which worsened feelings of loneliness and helplessness, negatively affecting their mental health. Breastfeeding was also impacted, with difficulties due to the physiological immaturity of premature babies and perceptions of low milk production, often exacerbated by the emotional state of the mothers. Strict prevention measures such as mask use and hand hygiene were adopted to ensure safety during breastfeeding. Support networks played a crucial role, with technology, family support, spirituality, support from other mothers in similar situations and continuous healthcare professional support emerging as essential in promoting breastfeeding and providing emotional security to mothers. Conclusion: These results highlight the need for policies that strengthen this integrated support network in similar contexts in order to encourage the practice of breastfeeding.