Os desafios na amamentação entre a equipe de enfermagem e as lactantes surdas ou deficientes auditivas: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil's deaf population comprises approximately 2.3 million people living with some degree of deafness, and most do not use Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) (IBGE, 2021). In healthcare, especially nursing, dialogue between patient and professional is essential for building a bond, resolving needs, and planning care. Without dialogue, interventions are not possible. Despite the many benefits, studies also address challenges to successful breastfeeding. Painful first latches, cracked and bleeding nipples, correct positioning, interpreting crying, and uncertainty about whether the baby is producing enough milk to satisfy them are examples of issues that cause great anxiety in mothers, discouraging breastfeeding (Silva, 2021). General Objective: To search national and international literature for studies that demonstrate the challenges of breastfeeding between nurses and infants with deafness or hearing impairment. Results: After searching the databases, 291 records were identified and exported to the EndNote Web reference manager. One hundred and twenty-seven duplicates were removed, totaling 164 records. After applying the eligibility criteria, four reviewers selected 12 studies for full-text reading. Six studies were ultimately included in this review. Discussion: According to Nascimento and Rodrigues, 2022, communication barriers are considered one of the main causes of health inequities among the deaf population. The lack of Libras interpreters in health services compromises the understanding of diagnosis, treatment, and correct medication use, which can lead to negative clinical outcomes (Souza et al., 2019). Furthermore, many health professionals lack adequate training to deal with deaf patients, exacerbating linguistic exclusion (Nascimento & Rodrigues, 2022). Final considerations: This study's conclusion highlights the urgent need to integrate inclusive practices into daily healthcare, reflecting the diversity of the population served. Healthcare services must recognize deafness as a condition that requires informed and respectful decision-making. Only through a proactive and innovative approach to communication can we ensure not only access to information but also build a relationship of mutual trust between healthcare professionals and deaf patients