Sensitive listening in a human milk bank

contributions of the experience in an extension project to the academic education

Abstract

In the extension project “Emotional aspects of breastfeeding: psycho-educational approach to mothers and companions using the HC-UFU HMB”, the extension workers have the opportunity to listen to mothers and family members who come to the Human Milk Bank (HMB) of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Uberlândia seeking guidance on breastfeeding. In view of the work carried out in the project, this experience report aims to present the activities, results, and lessons learned by the extension workers, as well as reflecting on the wealth of knowledge that underpins and goes beyond extension practices. The results point towards the refined use of listening resources, in an extensive practice, for the establishment of sensitive listening – especially in the reception of different affections that emerge in a hospital context, which permeate the social imaginary of motherhood –, as well as the contributions to the students' academic training. The conclusion is that the action proved to be fruitful in terms of promoting exchanges between the community and the local technical team, offering the extension workers the opportunity to enrich their own knowledge, technical resources, and professional and ethical attitude.