[Family practices related to breast-feeding maintenance: literature review and meta-synthesis].

OBJECTIVE To identify and summarize family practices related to the maintenance of breast-feeding. METHODS We conducted a literature review and meta-synthesis of the findings of selected articles. Fourteen articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish between 1989 and 2009 were selected. RESULTS The synthesis revealed five categories concerning family practices related to the maintenance of breast-feeding: 1) emotional support, which involves welcoming the mother and the baby, valuing and encouraging breast-feeding, and emphasizing the value of breast-feeding; 2) instrumental support, which covers attending prenatal consultations and home visits, participating in baby care, and providing help in everyday tasks beyond the first few weeks postpartum; 3) informational support, which involves stating the wish to be involved in breast-feeding and encouraging the mother, but not forcing her to share experiences; 4) presence support, which involves being close to the mother and taking the time to listen to her; and 5) self-support, which involves maintaining positive expectations about breast-feeding. CONCLUSIONS The results show that practices defined as support contribute to the maintenance of breast-feeding for longer periods. These findings underscore the need for expansion of the care provided to women, children, and families to include issues related to interpersonal interactions.