Introduction:

Low prevalence of breastfeeding in children under 2 years of age in Chile has been reported; therefore, this practice should be encouraged and supported in the nurseries where children of greater social vulnerability are taken care of.

Objective:

To learn about the breastfeeding experience in mothers of children who attend the nurseries of Fundación Integra.

Materials and methods:

Qualitative research based on the grounded theory. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers who consented to their participation and were derived from a preliminary study that identified the type of food received by their children. An inductive analysis of the data was performed, while triangulation by the investigator and confirmation of the study results by the participants were among the rigor criteria.

Results:

There are obstacles to breastfeeding such as difficulties for the mothers to leave their work and go to the nursery to breastfeed their children, low milk production and voluntary weaning. Facilitators include the family network and the support of the couple. Nurseries are recognized as institutions that provide care and security to the child.

Conclusion:

The role of the nursery staff in maintaining breastfeeding is relevant. Mothers in the public health system should be informed of the existing means in these facilities.

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