Breastfeeding and caring for children: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana

Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong,Margaret Marfo,Philomena Amevor,Lydia Aziato

doi:10.1186/s12884-020-03028-1

Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong, Margaret Marfo + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03028-1

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Abstract

BackgroundBreastfeeding and caring for children demand time, energy and effort. Mothers with physical impairments in Ghana require special needs to be able to achieve optimal motherhood as society demands. Globally, literature on breastfeeding and caring for children among mothers with physical disabilities is limited. Similarly, there is dearth of literature on the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to add to literature by exploring the experiences of mothers with physical impairments with regards to breastfeeding and how they care for their children.MethodsQualitative descriptive exploratory design was used. Twelve mothers with physical impairments who had been purposively sampled gave informed consent before data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews. Data was recorded, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the content analysis technique.ResultsMothers with physical impairments perceived breastfeeding as difficult and expensive due to issues relating to disruption of sleep, dysfunctional limbs and the need for breastfeeding mothers to eat nutritionally balanced meals. Participants felt prejudged and discriminated at different points in their daily encounters.ConclusionMothers with physical impairments have challenges. Therefore, attitudinal change should be advocated in the Ghanaian society with respect to issues concerning people living with disabilities.

Highlights

Breastfeeding and caring for children demand time, energy and effort
The United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities stipulates that persons with all types of disabilities are entitled to all human rights including the right to procreate [1]
All the women who participated in the study had biological children aged between 1 month and 10 years

Summary

Introduction

Breastfeeding and caring for children demand time, energy and effort. Mothers with physical impairments in Ghana require special needs to be able to achieve optimal motherhood as society demands. Literature on breastfeeding and caring for children among mothers with physical disabilities is limited. This study sought to add to literature by exploring the experiences of mothers with physical impairments with regards to breastfeeding and how they care for their children. In a systematic review, people doubted the ability of mothers with disabilities to play their roles effectively as parents [6]. Such a classification threatens the self-integrity of people living with physical impairments [7]. Mothers with physical impairments in the United States of America remain central to the nurturing of their babies [8]. Optimal breastfeeding is a key cost-effective child survival strategy which is beneficial to all infants irrespective of geographical location or cultural background [9]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion