Revista Psicologia e Saúde
ISSN 2177-093X
FREITAS, Andréa Leão Leonardo-Pereira de; LAZZARINI, Eliana Rigotto SEIDL, Eliane Maria Fleury. A psychoanalytic view at breastfeeding premature babies in the neonatal ICU. Rev. Psicol. Saúde []. 2021, 13, 2, pp.111-124. ISSN 2177-093X. https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v13i2.1212.
This paper consists of a theoretical study on the complexity of the physical, psychic, and sociocultural factors involved in the premature-baby-mother's breastfeeding experience, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It looks to problematize the practice of prescribing breastfeeding to pregnant and lactating women without considering subjective and unconscious aspects that will influence adherence to this recommendation. The speech of health professionals, supported by the excess of scientific information about breastfeeding, as well as moralistic arguments that circumscribe this theme, are not enough for breastfeeding to be established. Breastfeeding goes beyond a purely physiological process, requiring favorable psychic conditions from the woman so that she can play the role of a nursing mother. There may be cases in which not breastfeeding the child brings more benefits to the mental health of the dyad, without this being the mother less zealous or careful than the others.
: prematurity; breastfeeding; psychoanalysis; healthcare professionals; neonatal ICU.