Sexualidade e amamentação: concepções e abordagens de profissionais de enfermagem da atenção primária em saúde

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the primary health care nurses' concepts about sexuality, and how this theme is integrated within the health care practices of these professionals when working with breastfeeding women. This qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was performed with eight nurses from three primary health care units in a city in the north region of Rio Grande do Sul state. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis revealed three themes: ideation about sexuality; sexuality and breastfeeding; and sexuality and nursing practices aimed at the breastfeeding woman. The study revealed that nursing professionals understand the broad meaning that sexuality represents and the relationship it has with breastfeeding, but they do not approach this theme in the care provided to women engaged in the breastfeeding process, thus their practices are grounded in the biomedical approach.

Amamentação e sexualidade: uma interface na vivência do puerpério Breastfeeding and sexuality: an interface in the experience of puerperium

“…7,15 Thus, it is clear that some women experience changes in sexual intercourse while breastfeeding. Among these, decreased sexual activity, as identified in this study, as well as other issues 1,15,[17][18] are often associated with decreased intimacy of the couple, 17 decreased sexual desire, vaginal lubrication, pleasure, lack of interest for the partner, 15 the prioritization of the child's health, 11 etc.…”

“…Sexuality can be modified during this phase, due to the new roles adopted by the couple in face of the child's birth. 11 In this context, the period of puerperium is presented as a critical phase for the onset and increase of sexual problems because of reduced libido, reduced sexual interest and reduced sexual activity.…”

“…Thus, the feeding tends to exclude the sexuality of this scenario. 11 Furthermore, milk ejection during or after sexual intercourse may result in feelings of embarrassment, discomfort, shame or disgust to the couple or just to one spouse. 1,15,17,22 From this perspective, health education proves to be a fundamental tool able to minimize the impact of breastfeeding on sexuality through guidance and aid to the woman or couple -regarding the interpretation of experiences and feelings during this phase.…”

As representações sociais de mulheres que vivenciam sexualidade e amamentação

“…Nesse sentido, considera-se que a sexualidade, assim como outros aspectos, está inserida no processo do aleitamento materno, uma vez que exercer o papel de mãe não significa anular todos os demais papeis e funções por ela exercidos na sociedade. Ao contrário, é fundamental reconhecê-la como mulher, esposa, mãe, educadora e cidadã, com direitos sexuais e reprodutivos (FLORENCIO et al, 2012).…”

“…Abordar a sexualidade possibilita discutir a singularidade de cada ser e abrange fatores subjetivos influenciados por aspectos culturais, religiosos, princípios e meios sociais. Trata-se de uma conduta corporal que transcende o ato de "amamentar", visto que envolve pensamentos, expressões, comunicação, proximidade, sentimentos e, principalmente, o modo como a própria mulher se reconhece (FLORENCIO et al, 2012).…”