Health professionals’ breastfeeding practices and associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To analyze primary care health professionals’ breastfeeding practices and associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out with all health professionals working in breastfeeding support in five primary healthcare units, through a self-administered questionnaire. The chi-square test was used with a significance level of 5% to analyze the association of categorical variables with professional practice. Results: Thirty-eight professionals participated. There was a statistically significant association (p=0.04597) between the variable update on breastfeeding in the last five years and the practice of implementing breastfeeding through support groups. Clinical management, guidance on maternal rights, and support for resolving difficulties in breastfeeding were less reported. Conclusion: The practice of health professionals showed weaknesses, highlighting the need for professionals and managers to value the breastfeeding issue through strategies that include continuous training and monitoring of breastfeeding in the primary healthcare network.