Consulta de nutrição na primeira infância: uma proposta de protocolo de atendimento

Objective: To propose a protocol for consultation of nutrition in early childhood using techniques of nutritional counseling through literature review, gathering information to submit, simultaneously, technical issues relevant to child nutritional care and communication skills for proper approach to the mother/caregiver in each step of the consultation. Data source: A bibliographic survey was conducted using SCIELO, PUBMED and BIREME databases, as well as scientific journals, relevant internet websites, technical books, and publications of national entities. The texts analyzed addressed topics on child nutrition, techniques used in pediatric nutritional consultation, and nutritional counseling. Based on the information found, we developed a protocol integrating skills of nutritional counseling to the technical procedures relating to consultation. Data synthesis: Because of the importance of nutrition in the health of children and prevention of diseases in adult life, several tools have been proposed in the literature with the objective to establish diagnostic and nutritional practices in childhood. However, for positive effects on eating behavior changes in the child, the health professional should not be limited to providing information. Nutritional counseling on infant and young child feeding aims to strengthen mothers/caregiversso that they can become capable of making appropriate decisions regarding their children’s feeding. Conclusions: The creation of a protocol of nutritional consultation in early childhood, using techniques of nutritional counseling, is presented as a contribution to the qualification of the care of this population, allowing a more effective dialog between nutritionist and mother/caregiver, and promoting the coping strategies involved in the challenge of overcoming the existing food related problems