Acompanhamento de recém-nascidos de baixo peso pela aten？？o básica na perspectiva das Equipes de Saúde da Família

objectives: to examine the perceptions and practices of family health teams (fhts) regarding the basic care (bc) follow-up of underweight newborns (uwnbs). methods: a case-study type qualitative study was carried out with focus groups of fhts in a suburban district of the municipality of s？o paulo. the material obtained was submitted to topic analysis to identify clusters of meaning, from which the main themes emerged. results: three central themes were identified: pre-natal, longitudinal follow-up of uwnbs (extended clinic, breastfeeding and family care) and permanent education. the pre-natal period was considered to be the time for building up or strengthening the bond between the fhts and pregnant women, although it was observed that there a difficulties in providing longitudinal all-round follow-up care for uwnbs. it was revealed that there are limitations to longitudinal follow-up in view of the difficulty fhts experience in coordinating the care network; following protocols and national guidelines, dealing with everyday issues and the family dynamic, and establishing and effecting longitudinal treatment plans. the role of management of a permanent education project network, in particular, was highlighted. conclusions: according to the perceptions and practices of the fhts, the uwnbs still do not receive the all-round basic envisaged in national care guidelines for at-risk babies.