Social representations of adolescents in Pereira in front of the practice of breastfeeding

Abstract

Objective To understand the social representations that three groups of adolescents from Pereira construct in front of the practice of breastfeeding. Methodology Qualitative study with a suported theory approach. 3 focus groups were formed: 9 schooled teenagers who had not had the experience of pregnancy nor lactation, 12 pregnant adolescents, and 6 adolescents lactating infants between three to six months old. Some participants were chosen to conduct in-depth interviews. The data was grouped into three categories: Breastfeeding from the perspective of emotions, tools for coping with this situation, and behavior guidance. Results Adolescents describe a lactating woman under the affective dimension with descriptions of love, patience and care. One of the factors that emotionally impacts the practice of breastfeeding, are the feelings of embarrassment and shame that restricts them to breastfeed in public places. The family has a positive social representation in the accompanying of their affective and cognitive dimension. Adolescents allege as a cause of quitting breastfeeding the low milk production, due to ignorance in the art of breastfeeding and inadequate information or inadequate management of schedules by the institutions providing health services. Recommendation Breastfeeding is a practice that requires support to strengthen coping skills which may start from community stakeholders who have recognition in th d or sector, trained to overcome barriers of physical or psychological type.