Conhecimento e atuação de fonoaudiólogos em aleitamento materno e introdução da alimentação complementar

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding, in addition to the numerous known benefits, also contributes to the development of the structures that make up the stomatognathic system and the functions of breathing, swallowing, chewing and speech, as well as to the food introduction process. Purpose: To understand the training and practice of speech therapists who work in primary and secondary care in the Unified Health System (SUS) with breastfeeding and food introduction. Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study, using a quantitative approach. The target population were speech therapists from the municipalities covered by the 4th and 10th Regional Health Coordinations of Rio Grande do Sul, comprising 49 professionals. 13 speeches therapists participated in the study. The research was carried out through the analysis of data obtained from the application of an online questionnaire available on the Google Forms platform. Results: Although the participating speech therapists work in the area of Orofacial Motricity and Dysphagia, their performance in breastfeeding and in the introduction of complementary feeding is low and occurs in a uniprofessional way, most of the time in cases of breastfeeding and in the introduction of food. Conclusion: There are gaps in training and limited performance in breastfeeding and food introduction by primary and secondary care speech therapists of the SUS in the central-west region of Rio Grande do Sul. The need for continuing education for professionals within the scope of the SUS was identified as a fundamental strategy for promoting and protecting health.