Experiences and meanings of trans men about breastfeeding in light of the Theory of Social Representations

To analyze the experiences and meanings attributed by trans men to the breastfeeding process in light of the Theory of Social Representations. A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, carried out nationwide, with an intentional sample of five trans men who experienced breastfeeding and aged 18 or over. A semi-structured interview script was applied as a data collection instrument, using the Google Meet® platform, from September to October 2021. The data were described, integrating them with content analysis, resulting in two analytical categories. Trans men in labor were willing to breastfeed their child, anchoring their representations of breastfeeding in the idea that it is a phenomenon performed exclusively by women and also recognizing this phenomenon as an event that constitutes their masculinity, in addition to describing it as a pedagogical and learning experience with the objective of guaranteeing the healthy development of children. This study may promote reflections for changing nursing and health practices in different care settings, especially during prenatal care, childbirth and the postpartum period.