This study aimed to perform a qualitative analysis of the knowledge and perception of a group of women, and to assess the determinants that influence breastfeeding. It adopted the qualitative research method, based on the theory of social representations. Twenty-seven pregnant women were interviewed by only one interviewer during prenatal period and the babies were accompanied until the sixth month after birth or until they were completely weaned. The comprehensive speech analysis allowed verifying factors that made mothers breastfeed their babies, like: "baby protection" and "mother's love". We also observed the reasons that made mothers wean their babies: "lack of milk" / "the milk dried" and "job". Through the mother's representations we could notice that even if they showed knowledge about properties and advantages of milk, it did not guarantee the successful natural breastfeeding practice.
breastfeeding; weaning; qualitative research
