Fatores associados ao desmame precoce do aleitamento materno

Introduction: Despite the evidence of the numerous advantages of breastfeeding and improved breastfeeding status among Brazilian children, what we see is that the situation in the country with exclusive breastfeeding is still worrying. The percentage of children in the first half of life, fed only on breast milk remains well below the recommendation of the United Nations Fund for Children, the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health of Brazil. It is further that breastfeeding depends on factors that may impact positively or negatively on your success, so that these factors reflect a challenge to nurses. With the knowledge of this reality it is intended to achieve the following objectives: to know the importance of nurses in the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding and discuss the factors that trigger early weaning. Materials and Methods: To meet the proposed objectives was elected the literature review. Results and Discussion: Data analysis resulted in three thematic categories: the prevalence of breastfeeding in Brazil, the factors that lead to early weaning, and the promotion of breastfeeding by health professionals, particularly nurses. Conclusions: Finally it can be said that besides the mother's will and ability of health professionals to promote breastfeeding, you need to consider that the successful practice of breastfeeding also depends on appropriate government policies and the support and participation of the whole society.