Perceptions and experiences of women about sexuality during the breastfeeding period

• Autor(a) principal: Oliveira, Lidiaine Naiara de
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Silva Marcon, Sonia, Cazetta de Lima Vieira, Viviane, Ferraz Teston, Elen, Marien Knupp Medeiros, Renata, Cristina Ribeiro Furlan, Mara, Baratieri, Tatiane, Serafim, Deise
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por; eng
• Título da fonte: Reme (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufmg.br/index.php/reme/article/view/38302
• topic: Sexualidade; Saúde da Mulher; Período Pós-Parto; Aleitamento materno; Sexualidad; Salud de la mujer; Periodo Posparto; Lactancia Materna; sexuality; Women's Health; Postpartum Period; Breast Feeding

Objective: to understand how women perceive and experience sexuality during the breastfeeding period. Method: descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out with lactating women or women who had already breastfed, having as field of study six Basic Health Units (UBS) of a municipality in the southern region of Brazil. Data were collected from May to August 2018, through semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and held in a reserved place at the UBS. The informants were 18 women with children aged up to 12 months who were being or had been breastfed for some time and who attended the UBS for childcare or consultation with a pediatrician during the period of data collection. Women who reported not having started sexual practice during the breastfeeding period were excluded. The data produced were submitted to content analysis – thematic modality. Results: women perceive and experience sexuality during breastfeeding through changes in self-image, self-esteem, and relationship with the partner. Breast changes were well perceived during the gestational period and at the beginning of breastfeeding; however, over time, some women perceived the changes in a negative way, especially those who had more difficulty regaining their pre-pregnancy weight. The results also showed that the women went through a period of uncertainties and insecurities in relation to sexuality and that changes in the marital dynamics were necessary in this transition period for the exercise of sexuality, considering the nutritional and affective support needs of the baby. Conclusion: women perceive and experience difficulties in reconciling sexuality with breastfeeding, since the new family dynamics resulting from the birth of a child and changes in body aesthetics can have a negative impact on sexuality.