Análise de uma estratégia educativa virtual voltada para o apoio ao aleitamento materno exclusivo

Introduction : Exclusive breastfeeding is the period when the child receives only breast milk, without offering other liquids or food. The benefits to the child's health include, mainly, reduction of diarrhea and respiratory diseases and this has been one of the main factors for the historical reduction of infant mortality. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends this practice until sixth months of life. The use of the internet can be a promising resource in order to achieve this scenario. Objective : This paper analyzed a virtual educational strategy that focused on the support of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods : It is a qualitative study, in which the publications of women from a private community of the online social network Facebook, managed by health professionals, were analyzed. Results : The sharing of experiences in the group showed breastfeeding as a phase permeated by multiple physical, emotional and social difficulties. Work overload and blaming women were identified. The communications of the virtual space based on a participatory methodology, strengthened the dialogue with the participants and between them. Conclusion : Moderation based on the demands presented by the group enabled timely support connected with the needs experienced, promoting the empowerment of women in the breastfeeding process. This initiative proved to be feasible, practical, of low cost and with great potential to increase the duration of exclusive breastfeeding among the participants.