OBJECTIVE: To analyze the profile of knowledge production on breastfeeding in Brazilian pediatrics strict sensu post-graduation programs. METHODS:A descriptive analysis was carried out regarding academic studies produced between 1971 and 2006 at all programs recognized by the Coordination for Improvement of Professionals with University Level (Capes, Brasília, Brazil). RESULTS: The 12 programs produced 1.494 thesis, 68 of which (4,55%) had breastfeeding as the main object: 50 master and 18 PhD theses. The Southeast region had the largest number of programs. In terms of methodology, there was a predominance of quantitative studies. The Medical Schools of São Paulo Univer sity in Ribeirão Preto and in São Paulo together with the Federal University of São Paulo were the ones that were more dedicated to studying this issue. Two programs did not present studies on breastfeeding at all. The programs were very different regarding the specificity of their studies, generally quantifying and describing the subject under a social or a biological view, without investigating cultural aspects related to breastfeeding practice. CONCLUSIONS: The number of academic studies produced does not match the importance of the theme for children's health. The academic production on breastfeeding is concentrated in the Southeast, the region with the largest number of programs. In terms of methodology, there was a predominance of quantitative studies, which shows a concern for the biological dimension of breastfeeding.
breastfeeding; research; Pediatrics
