Training and experiences of speech therapy in breastfeeding: a descriptive study

ABSTRACT

Purpose  To investigate the training and experiences of speech therapy in breastfeeding in Brazil.

Methods  This is a qualitative descriptive study that assessed 39 speech-language pathologists through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was used to identify thematic axes.

Results  Professionals with experience in the field ranging from five to 28 years from six Brazilian states participated in this study. Three thematic axes were identified: “The participant’s training journey in breastfeeding,” where interviewees stated that the scientific basis provided during the speech therapy course, in all its disciplines, supports the clinical practice in the field. The integration of knowledge with the mother-infant dyad facilitates the development of a pleasant and efficient feeding process; “Workplaces in breastfeeding: reflections on the daily practice,” highlighting the role of speech-language pathologists in hospital settings with both healthy and at-risk infants, and their interactions with the multidisciplinary team; “Challenges in the practice of speech-language pathologists in breastfeeding,” which highlighted a lack of understanding about the role of speech-language pathologists in breastfeeding among parents and other healthcare professionals, delaying the start of speech-language pathologist intervention.

Conclusion  Breastfeeding training was linked to public services, the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), and graduate courses in speech therapy. The role of speech-language pathologists in breastfeeding has evolved synchronously with national public policies and the demands of the places where they work.

Keywords:
Breast feeding; Speech, language and hearing sciences; Maternal and child health; Interview; Public policy