Speech therapy during breastfeeding in maternity wards

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the most appropriate means of feeding to provide the growth and development of the child's structures and functions, such as breathing, sucking, swallowing, chewing and speaking. Currently, there are several campaigns to encourage exclusive breastfeeding, which seek to support mothers throughout this process. However, the numbers still point to many children who suffer early weaning. This study aims to describe the speech-language pathology practice in maternity hospitals and how speech-language pathology can be more valued in the context of breastfeeding. Methodology: Through an integrative review of the literature, this study analyzed the scientific production on speech-language pathology performance during breastfeeding in maternity hospitals, from articles in Portuguese, published between 2018 and 2023. Results and Discussion:  Of the 9 articles included in this research, the following were unanimously addressed: breastfeeding and speech-language pathology performance. In addition, factors that influence breastfeeding were also presented in all studies. Studies highlight how much puerperal women and neonates tend to gain from the perspective of a qualified professional, in the face of issues of orofacial disorders and human communication, making approaches more specialized and humanized. Conclusion: The present study described the speech-language pathology practice in maternity hospitals, with professionals being able to disseminate information about the benefits of breastfeeding, promote a greater bond between the mother-newborn dyad, evaluate breastfeeding and sucking patterns and avoid early weaning. Regarding the valorization of the work of speech-language pathologists in the context of breastfeeding, it was observed the lack of clear and relevant exposure of speech-language pathology performance, strengthening and reinforcing the need for actions that promote an individual environment and moment to address issues about breastfeeding and how the speech-language pathologist should be inserted in this scenario.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.003-018