Breast feeding in prison: a study about its conditions and practices in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This article proposes to analyze the process for breast feeding in women’s prisons in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For this, was made a qualitative, exploratory-analytic research. The study was carried out in the Hospital Care Center for the Imprisoned Woman, located in the city of
São Paulo. Twenty exclusively nourishing mothers were interviewed, as well as three professionals involved in breast feeding promoting practices. Semi-structured interviews were recorded and, after transcription, underwent the thematic analysis of content. Like results, the mothers indicated the value of maternal milk as a source of vitamins, as well as a protection against diseases; the importance of the link established during nurture, and: the suffering caused by the separation of the mother from the baby, since they may stay only four months together. The professionals stressed the importance of breast nourishing for the infant in the first months of life; the difficulties inherent to the promotion of breast feeding in prisons; the fact that they were not prepared to either receive or shelter nourishing mothers; as well as the relevance of scientific research as a stimulation to other professionals in the improvement of the quality of this service. It means the breast nourishing was considered relevant, highlighting the right of any child to protection, life and health. The breast feeding in prisons was identified as a reality, although the enforcement of the corresponding Brazilian laws is being made impossible, demanding actions that effectively guarantee breast feeding practices in the women’s prisons.