Objective

To understand the perceptions and experiences of users of different health services about the limitations for the promotion of breastfeeding.

Materials and Methods

Qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were applied to 12 mothers who live in a community with a high level of marginalization of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, whose deliveries were attended by public, private and social security health services. Phenomenological analysis was carried out on the interviews transcribed in full.

Results

Regardless of the type of health care service, women receive little training on breastfeeding during the prenatal stage and most of this is provided through impersonal strategies. Most women state that the experiences were more related to demand and judgment, rather than to counseling by health personnel.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is considered as result of a personal and individual decision, which does not impact the counseling provided by the health personnel. It is necessary to promote training and awareness to strengthen accompaniment skills regarding breastfeeding in health personnel, in order to provide counseling in an assertive manner.