[Maternal care and breastfeeding experience of women suffering intimate partner violence].

OBJECTIVE To describe maternal care and breastfeeding experience of women suffering intimate partner violence. METHODOGICAL PROCEDURES: A qualitative study was conducted in 11 women suffering intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Women aged 16-41 years were recruited in a hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro between January and March 2005. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a life history approach and complemented by a semi-structured guide. ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS Women expressed mixed feelings of loneliness and good moments regarding maternal care and breastfeeding experience. Most had early cessation of breastfeeding and the reasons reported included: the need to resume their working activities, lack of information on breastfeeding and the violence experienced by these women. CONCLUSIONS The study shows a need to approach women as key actors of a nursing model, offering opportunities to listen to their concerns as well as to provide care to intimate partner violence victims and differentiated support.