Family health nursing interventions to promote breastfeeding in the context of parenthood: scoping review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0222e.43616

Keywords:

family nursing; breastfeeding; primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age is widely recommended by the World Health Organization. In Portugal, adherence rates are below international recommendations, reinforcing the importance of family health nurses in promoting this practice.

Objective: To map scientific evidence on family health nurse interventions promoting exclusive breastfeeding in families receiving primary health care during the first six months postpartum.

Methods: Scoping review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search was conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL databases, and the articles were analyzed by three independent reviewers, with subsequent selection of four articles that met the inclusion criteria.

Results: Three categories of interventions were identified: structured educational interventions, based on a multidimensional community approach, including health education sessions, educational materials, and the enhancement of family and community support networks; professional capacity-building interventions through continuous training emphasizing technical, relational, and motivational skills based on evidence-based practices; and systematic follow-up interventions, ensuring regular and reliable follow-up through face-to-face consultations, telephone calls, emails, or home visits, fostering safety, trust, and family involvement in the breast feeding process.

Conclusion: Personalized nursing interventions, tailored to the needs of each family, proved to be decisive in promoting, adhering to, and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months postpartum, reinforcing autonomy and security during the transition to parenthood.

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Published

2026-04-23

How to Cite

Martins, M., Reis, A., & Afonso, C. (2026). Family health nursing interventions to promote breastfeeding in the context of parenthood: scoping review . Millenium - Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, 2(22e), e43616. https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0222e.43616

Issue

Section

Life and Healthcare Sciences