Breastfeeding Self-efficacy in mothers of preterm infants: a scoping review

Breastfeeding is the only food with scientific proof and universal recognition of immunological protection for children, no other isolated strategy prevents mortality in children under 5 years of age (WHO, 2021) however, establishing and maintaining breastfeeding is challenging in the context of prematurity. Believing that one can influence the various factors in life is defined as self-efficacy (Bandura, 1994). Breastfeeding self-efficacy is an important predictor of breastfeeding success. The Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Scale (BSES) was developed (Denis; Faux, 1999) and translated in several countries with the expectation of contributing to the maintenance of breastfeeding among postpartum women, as it allows health professionals to identify at which points the postpartum woman has less confidence to breastfeed or continue breastfeeding, intervening in a timely manner, and preventing early weaning (ROCHA et al, 2018; GUERRA et al, 2021). The research question is: What is the evidence of breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers of premature infants? The search will include all publications (primary articles, reviews, protocols, dissertations and theses), in at least 7 databases, from the last 10 years.