Relatório de estágio

Abstract

This report was prepared as a conclusion of an internship which was developed in three parts and dealt with breastfeeding. During the internship several actions were taken towards promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding in several contexts of professional practice for Specialist Nurses in Pediatrics and Infants Health. The choice of this theme emerged from a personal concern regarding the absence of real measures aimed at this practice, confirmed by scientific evidences that show low rates of breastfeeding. These low rates are far from the guidelines concerning infant feeding recommended by the national and international health structures. The internship was based on the theoretical framework of PENDER, using its reference for welfare, and approaching pediatric therapeutics in a way that not only each child but also their families are the focus of attention, in the sense that parents are the best carers, and establishing a partnership with them making this the best strategy to maximize welfare. In the context of primary health care, I emphasize the study of the prevalence of breastfeeding and the instruments developed for Nursing Consulting which contributed to an effective work, based on a systematic and methodological approach to child and family in the context of breastfeeding, making it easier to detect the needs and planning the necessary care. In a Pediatric Emergency, the preparation of a Procedures Manual for the child / family which was breastfed and a protocol regarding the manipulation of human milk, in order to standardize procedures and guarantee the quality of the milk while its being handled and administrated. In Neonatology, the awareness of the staff regarding the administration of pasteurized human milk to preterm and sick children is a practical alternative to milk formula with numerous benefits. It is also a contribution to research in order to establish the prevalence of breastfeeding. In a professional context, the creation of «Space Breastfeeding" and the elaboration of a Guide to Good Practice Guidance for the child and family which was breastfed in the hospital context, dedicated to implementing an effective policy to promote and support the breastfeeding in the Department of Pediatrics and to interfere in the constraints of hospitalization in this practice. The work method selected included a continuous analysis of observations during the internship; it was supported by professional experience and based on the available scientific evidence. During the course of this project it was possible to demonstrate the ability to identify problems and make decisions, as well as the importance of selected actions and their applicability. As a conclusion, the defined objectives at the beginning of this project were achieved and they improved children health and personal development, it can be concluded that this was a valuable and significant project

Date of Award	Feb 2011
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Elisabete Nunes (Supervisor)