ABSTRACT
Objective
To obtain knowledge on the experience of mothers about breastfeeding and events that contribute to early weaning.
Method
research descriptive and exploratory kind with a qualitative approach carried out in a unit of the Family Health Strategy in the city of Cáceres-MT, through semi-structured interviews with 21 women who gave birth from January / 2012 to January / 2014.
Results
The data showed that at six months only 19.1% of the children were still being exclusively breastfed and the main explanations for this were: Lack of knowledge, inexperience / insecurity; Underestimation of maternal distress; Complications of puerperal breast; Family interference; Weak / inadequate milk; maternal employment.
Conclusion
The study reinforced the need for adjustments in the current care model, surpassing applicability of predefined techniques, encouraging critical judgment and perception of health professionals regarding the the construction of new knowledge and behaviors.
Breastfeeding; Weaning; Maternal-child nursing; Millennium Development Goals