Breastfeeding Experience Research Articles

Evaluation of a complex intervention: the Latch On randomized controlled trial of multicomponent breastfeeding support for women with a raised body mass index

Abstract Background Latch On’s objective was to achieve improved breastfeeding rates in women with raised body mass indices using a multicomponent breastfeeding support intervention. Methods A hybrid type 1 implementation-effectiveness trial with mixed-methods process and health economics analyses were conducted. Data collection included stakeholder questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, fidelity data, participant and health system costs. Results The intervention was delivered with fidelity but the high breastfeeding rates at 3 months were not different between intervention and usual care. Participants receiving the minimum intervention dose were more likely to initiate breastfeeding (P = 0.045) and be breastfeeding at hospital discharge (P = 0.01) compared with participants below the threshold. Participant exit interview themes highlighted the importance of improving breastfeeding support to women, the effect of COVID-19 on the breastfeeding experience, and found that the intervention improved the experience of establishing breastfeeding. The intervention cost €157 per participant, with no other cost difference between groups. Process analysis found that follow-up breastfeeding services continued in half of sites after study completion. Conclusions This low-cost intervention resulted in a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience for participants and changed practice in some study sites. The intervention dose received may impact effectiveness, but further research is needed to provide definitive evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness.

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex: Measurement, Prevalence, Clinical Features, Maternal Mental Health, and Mother-Infant Bonding.

Introduction: Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a condition affecting lactating women, characterized by abrupt emotions of dysphoria that start shortly before or during milk let-down and progress for several minutes. Research on D-MER, especially with quantitative methodology, is minimal. This study aimed to validate an instrument for D-MER-related emotions, examine its prevalence and clinical features, and explore differences in maternal mental health and mother-infant bonding between mothers with and without D-MER. Methods: A total of 711 women up to 12 months postpartum participated in an online cross-sectional study. Participants fulfilled the D-MER Questionnaire (D-MERq), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Results: The analysis showed that D-MERq had high reliability and good discriminant and divergent validity. The prevalence of D-MER was 5.9%. For the majority, D-MER manifested intensely, accompanied mostly by agitation- and anxiety-related emotions, and 45% of mothers discontinued breastfeeding due to D-MER. Mothers experiencing D-MER had higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, previous psychiatric diagnoses, and more mother-infant bonding difficulties compared with mothers without D-MER. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that D-MERq is a valuable tool with good psychometric properties and suitable for clinical and research use to facilitate early identification and better understanding of this phenomenon. D-MER affects a noteworthy number of women and is associated with impaired mental health, bonding difficulties, and breastfeeding discontinuation. This highlights the importance of health care providers recognizing D-MER to ensure better outcomes and a more positive breastfeeding experience.

Mothers' and fathers' experiences of breastfeeding and returning to paid work after birth: A mixed-method study.

This mixed-method study explored the experiences of mothers and fathers combining breastfeeding with returning to paid employment after childbirth. Tasmanian State Service employees participated in an online survey and phone interviews. A total of 130 parents completed the survey, and 42 participated in 60-min phone interviews. The survey had more female respondents (109) than male (21), and only 4 of the 42 interviews were with fathers. The sample consisted mainly of professional women (84%) and men (16%), predominantly Australian-born (88%). Two-thirds of participants worked part-time (62%), taking either unpaid (52%) or paid leave (61%) within the first 12 months after birth. The majority (88%) preferred to breastfeed, with the mean age of the first formula feed being 4.1 months. A narrative analysis of the qualitative data, informed by work-family conflict theory, reveals that transitioning back to paid work while breastfeeding is challenging for both mothers and fathers. Parents face multiple conflicts between paid work, family responsibilities and maintaining breastfeeding. The emotional and physical demands of feeding, expressing, storing and transporting breast milk, combined with often inadequate workplace facilities, policies and gender discrimination, add to parental pressure. Mothers bear the greatest burden, while fathers' roles and needs are often overlooked in the workplace. The major finding of this study is that breastfeeding is insufficiently recognised as an integral part of the return-to-work process for both parents, generating a form of work-family breastfeeding conflict, where work (part-time or full-time) interferes with family responsibilities and breastfeeding. Family-friendly breastfeeding policies based on equity principles are needed to address workplace gender inequality and discrimination and better support parents in combining work and breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: It is known that despite the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, children with Down syndrome (DS) are breastfed less than other children are. More information is needed to reveal the problems experienced regarding breastfeeding in this group of children and take precautions. The purpose of this study was to learn about the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of children with DS. Methods: The study was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 women who met the inclusion criteria in Turkey between September 1 and December 1, 2023. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: As a result of the content analysis, five themes emerged. These themes were changing of body and emotions, why doesn't my baby suck?, I have to breastfeed my baby, I am not alone, and experiences should be shared. Conclusions: It was determined that mothers of children with DS experienced problems/difficulties due to individual, baby-related, and environmental factors. The positive effects of breastfeeding children with DS can be made prevalent in society by supporting these mothers.

Mothers’ perception of husband support during breastfeeding: A qualitative study in Indonesia

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted maternal and perinatal healthcare worldwide, including in Indonesia. Restrictions on access to health services have forced mothers to adapt to new challenges in breastfeeding during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate mothers’ breastfeeding experiences and the role of husbands in providing support during this period. This qualitative research used a phenomenological approach. Data were collected from August to October 2022 through a focus group discussion (FGD). Participants were selected using maximum variation sampling, with eight mothers participating in the FGD. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, revealing four main themes: (1) not all husbands fully supported mothers’ efforts to provide exclusive breastfeeding; (2) supportive and inhibiting factors help to provide exclusive breastfeeding; (3) mothers understood the benefits and identified the causes of failure in providing exclusive breastfeeding and complementary food for breast milk; and (4) various stressors experienced by mothers did not impede breastfeeding efforts. In conclusion, the findings highlight the need for healthcare workers, especially maternity nurses, to encourage continued breastfeeding and emphasize the importance of husbands’ support in providing exclusive breastfeeding initiatives. Interventions should be designed to actively involve husbands in supporting exclusive breastfeeding practices.

Breastfeeding in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy: clinical outcomes and physician counseling

BackgroundPeripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of heart failure occurring towards the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery. Concerns regarding the role of prolactin (the polypeptide hormone responsible for lactation) driving the pathogenesis of PPCM have led experts to discourage patients from breastfeeding; however, limited clinical data exist. We sought to (1) determine whether lactation was associated with less cardiac recovery and (2) assess the counseling about breastfeeding given to patients at the time of their initial diagnosis.MethodsPatients diagnosed with PPCM from 1999 to 2019 were identified through detailed chart review and demographic characteristics, comorbidities, outcomes, and lactation status were collected. Cardiac recovery was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 55% or higher. A survey about breastfeeding and patient experience was administered by mail. Patients were only included in this analysis if definitive information about lactation status was documented.ResultsOf 220 patients with confirmed PPCM, lactation status was known definitively in 54 patients; of these, 18 (33%) had breastfed for at least 6 weeks and 36 (67%) did not breastfeed. There were no significant differences in the breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding groups related to baseline LVEF, age, race, gestational diabetes, smoking, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and medication treatments. Despite similar baseline LVEF at the time of diagnosis, there was no statistically significant difference in cardiac recovery based on lactation status. In a subset of patients with severe cardiac dysfunction at the time of diagnosis, there remained no significant differences in recovery based on lactation status. Of the 34 survey respondents, 62% were told not to breastfeed due to their diagnosis or concerns regarding safety of medications, and none were encouraged to breastfeed.ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort, lactation was not associated with lower rates of myocardial recovery. Importantly, a majority of patients had received counseling that they should not breastfeed. Future studies of the role of lactation in PPCM are needed in order to better understand the impact of breastfeeding and improve patient counseling.

Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of Interactive Breastfeeding Scale

Objective: To assess factors influencing mother-child interaction during breastfeeding and validate the Arabic version of the Interactive Breastfeeding Scale (IBfS). Methods: A descriptive (cross- sectional study design) was carried out to evaluate the factors that interfere with the mother-child interaction during breastfeeding. A non-probability 'purposive sample' consists of (377) mothers who attending primary health care centers in Baghdad City. The study was started at January/2024 to July / 2024. Results: The Arabic version of the Interactive Breastfeeding Scale reveals strong psychometric properties with Cronbach’s Alpha values ranging from 0.71 to 0.86. Significant correlations were found between the scale and factors like Mother’s Perspective (r = .886) and Child Perspective (r = .661). The findings highlight the importance of mother and child-related factors in breastfeeding experiences. Conclusions: The Arabic version of the Interactive Breastfeeding Scale (IBfS) demonstrates strong reliability and validity, making it a robust tool for assessing breastfeeding dynamics. Key factors such as Mother’s Perspective and Child Perspective show significant correlations with IBfS, underscoring their critical role in the breastfeeding experience. The scale’s psychometric properties support its use in diverse settings, providing valuable insights into mother-child interactions during breastfeeding.

Mothers with Breastfeeding Difficulty Report Increased Depressive Symptoms and Impaired Maternal-Infant Bonding on Social Media.

Background: Protection against postpartum depression is a commonly cited maternal benefit of breastfeeding. However, recent studies have found that negative breastfeeding experiences may actually increase the risk of depressive symptoms. Objective: To investigate women's self-reported associations between breastfeeding experiences and depressive symptoms on a social media platform. Study Design: An electronic search was conducted on Reddit of all original user posts using keywords "breastfeeding" and "depression" from February 2013 to July 2021. Relevant posts and corresponding comments were manually extracted, evaluated for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analyzed for thematic content. Results: In total, 584 entries was analyzed. Mothers most frequently described difficulty breastfeeding as the cause of new onset mental health symptoms (53%); however, mothers breastfeeding without difficulty were also susceptible (20%). Mothers also reported exacerbated preexisting mental health symptoms-predominantly related to difficulty breastfeeding (17%), but again, others experienced no difficulty (6%). Common words included among all entries were "guilt" (17%), "fail" (14%), "pressure" (7%), "shame" (6%), and "alone" (6%). Among mothers mentioning bonding (n = 99), 58% reported that breastfeeding inhibited infant bonding, versus 1% enhanced bonding; furthermore, 63% reported increased bonding after switching to formula versus 8% unchanged and 6% decreased bonding. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of all posts described inadequate breastfeeding counseling. Finally, 9% of all posts reported a negative experience with health care providers versus 6% a positive experience. Conclusions: Mothers struggling to breastfeed may not experience the classically described benefits of breastfeeding, instead experiencing increased depressive and other mental health symptoms and impaired maternal-infant bonding. Furthermore, limited provider disclosure about potential breastfeeding challenges and alternatives to breastfeeding may exacerbate mental health symptoms associated with breastfeeding difficulties. Balanced information should be presented to mothers contemplating breastfeeding in order to minimize maternal perceptions of "failure."

Part II: Enhancing Breastfeeding Experience and Self-Efficacy in Opioid-Dependent Breastfeeding Mothers—Results From the PeriWell Intervention

Objective:The PeriWell project integrates the Positive Direction Model and the Tri-Core Breastfeeding Model into a virtual support program tailored to peripartum mothers in substance use recovery. PeriWell addresses the unique challenges this population faces by offering tailored, wraparound support. This manuscript, part of a two-part series, highlights the project’s outcomes, demonstrating significant implications for maternal health practices by fostering an environment of empowerment and lactation wraparound support.Methods:This longitudinal quality improvement (QI) project spanned 24 months (2019–2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It involved 15 peripartum mothers in substance use recovery engaging in a virtual, single-site program. The project was approved as a QI initiative by the Institutional Review Board (IRB reference 2018-19, #89), ensuring ethical adherence and participant safety. Participants provided voluntary consent and were recruited from obstetrics and gynecology offices in Upstate New York. To evaluate participants’ confidence and belief in their breastfeeding abilities, we received author permission and utilized the validated Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (Dennis & Faux, 1999; Dennis, 2010), guiding the tailored support provided.Results:Results indicated a significant increase in prenatal breastfeeding confidence correlated with the PeriWell approach (r= .782,n= 14,p< .001). Participants reported improved self-confidence in latching techniques and a greater appreciation of the time commitment required for successful breastfeeding. Correlational relationships provided valuable insight to enhance and amplify breastfeeding support. The findings advocate for the inclusion of targeted specialized interventions in maternal care to better meet the needs of expecting individuals.Conclusion:Cultivating a supportive peripartum environment is fundamental to maternal-child healthcare, and the PeriWell project demonstrated the efficacy of integrating tailored, virtual peripartum and breastfeeding support for expecting and postpartum mothers in substance use recovery. This quality improvement project improved maternal and infant health outcomes, such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, and highlighted the importance and value of specialized, wraparound lactation support for vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the need for continued innovation in maternal health services, particularly through empowerment and promoting breastfeeding success in recovery settings.

High-risk pregnancy and risk of breastfeeding failure

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that supports the role of breastfeeding in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are considerable gaps in breastfeeding outcomes in mothers with chronic diseases due to a lack of knowledge and support in the postpartum period. Mothers who have NCDs and pregnancy complications are at risk of breastfeeding failure.AimTo compare breastfeeding outcomes in mothers with NCDs with healthy mothers and determine the underlying challenges that lead to poor outcomes.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted among 150 women (50 with high-risk pregnancies (HRP) and 100 with normal pregnancies (NP)). They were recruited from those attending the immunization and outpatient clinics at Sohag General Hospital. Mothers were recruited at 34 weeks gestation and were followed up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after delivery. A pretested and validated questionnaire was used to collect detailed epidemiological, personal, health-related status, medications, hospitalizations, reproductive history, current delivery, and previous breastfeeding experiences. On follow-up they were assessed for breastfeeding practices, their health and health and growth of their children, and social support.ResultsDelivery by cesarean section and postpartum bleeding were commoner among HRP patients. Initiation of breastfeeding in the 1st hour of delivery was significantly lower among women with HRP than those with normal pregnancies (48.0% versus 71.0%, p = 0.006). The most common reason for not initiating breastfeeding among the NP group was insufficient milk (34.5%), while in the HRP group, it was the mother’s illness (80.8%). Skin-to-skin contact with the baby after birth was significantly less practiced in the HRP than in the NP group (38.0% vs 64.0% at p = 0.003). Herbs (such as cumin, caraway, cinnamon, aniseed, and chamomile) were the most common pre-lacteal feeds offered (63.0% in NP vs 42.0% in HRP). Artificial milk was more used in HRP than NP (24.0% vs 4.0%). Breast engorgement was 3 times more common in the HRP compared to the NP group (61.5% vs19.6%). Stopping breastfeeding due to breast problems was 2.5 times higher in the HRP than in the NP group (38.5% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.003). Nipple fissures were twice as common among the NP than among the HRP group ((73.0%) vs. (38.5%), p = 0.026). Exclusive breastfeeding during the period of follow-up was lower in the HRP than in the NP group (40.0% vs 61.0%, p < 0.05) and formula feeding was twice as common in the HRP as in the NP group (34.0% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.015). Child illness was significantly higher among women with HRP than those with NP (66.0% vs 48.0%, p = 0.037).ConclusionsWomen with HRP are at a high risk of poor breastfeeding outcomes with increased lactation problems and formula feeding rates. Encouraging women especially those with HRP to achieve optimal breastfeeding practices is a simple intervention that can be included in daily practice and may have a positive impact on mothers’ health.

Breastfeeding During COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders: Implications for Future Maternal Work Policies and Health Equity.

This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders on the breastfeeding experiences of U.S. people a identify facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding during this period, and to assess the effects of maternal stress and misinformation on breastfeeding practices. U.S. women with infants were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. An online survey, distributed during summer 2020, measured changes in infant feeding practices, maternal stress levels, use of lactation support resources, and the influence of misinformation on feeding decisions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Our sample (n = 1,861) revealed that 34% of U.S. women realized the pandemic affected their feeding practices, 544 women provided qualitative data. Major themes from qualitative analysis included ease of breastfeeding at home, bonding, increased breastfeeding duration, and challenges like limited access to lactation support. Logistic regressions highlighted demographic influences on breastfeeding practices, with no significant effects found related to the child's age or women's income on changes in feeding practices. The COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted breastfeeding experiences of U.S. women, yielding insights for future policy and healthcare practices. The findings underscore the potential benefits of telehealth lactation support services and flexible remote work environments for breastfeeding people. Clear and scientifically-grounded communication regarding breastfeeding, mental health support, and policy development, are essential to promote equitable and flexible work and maternity leave options for breastfeeding people especially during global health crises.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Adolescent Mothers in Indonesia: Does Maternal Education Level Matter?

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a vital element in the early stages of life. Feeding newborns solely breast milk from birth until they are six months old is sufficient. However, EBF by adolescent mothers is still not optimal. The study analyzed the effect of maternal education on EBF among babies with adolescent mothers in Indonesia. The cross-sectional study examined 560 babies (a–5 months). We analyzed EBF practice as a dependent variable. We included six mothers' characteristics (education, residence, age, marital, employment, and wealth) and two baby characteristics (sex and early breastfeeding initiation) as independent variables. In this study, the initial stage was a bivariate analysis using chi-square. Then, a multicollinearity test was conducted to ensure no strong relationship between the independent variables. Finally, a multivariate test was conducted to determine the factors of EBF in babies with adolescent mothers. The results showed that adolescent mothers with primary education were 2.920 times more likely than those without education to perform EBF (AOR = 2.920, 95% CI [2.521–3.382]). Moreover, adolescent mothers with secondary education were 2.325 times more likely to achieve EBF than those without (AOR = 2.325, 95% CI [2.001–2.701]). The study concluded that all education levels were likelier to perform EBF than those without formal education. Further research is needed to understand the breastfeeding experience of adolescent mothers. Exceptional support and attention regarding EBF should be directed to adolescent mothers who are without formal education.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on the acceptability of donor human milk banking in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundThe World Health Organization prioritizes Mother’s Own Milk (MOM) or donor human milk (DHM) when MOM is unavailable or insufficient. It is also important for healthcare workers (HCWs) to provide adequate support, information, and education to mothers to help improve their milk production and breastfeeding experience. DHM is scarce in developing countries, prompting a need for understanding health workers’ perspectives.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021 in Ekiti State, Nigeria, examined the knowledge and attitudes of HCWs regarding human milk banking. A sample of 321 participants from government-owned hospitals completed a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsOf the 321 participants (84.7% response rate), the majority were females (69.2%), aged 30–39 (32.1%), Christian (91.9%), and employed in tertiary hospitals (91.9%). About 65% of the HCWs believe that HMB is a safe practice and 42% believe that the DHM has the same quantity of immunological factors as fresh human milk. While 80.4% displayed good DHM knowledge, attitudes varied. The HCWs profession influenced their attitudes and a higher proportion of all female HCWs (71%), except for health assistants (65.4%), expressed willingness to donate their breast milk if needed. Among males HCWs, the majority of those who were doctors (82.8%) and pharmacists (62.5%) expressed willingness to support their spouses to donate breast milk, and they also had higher acceptance of DHM for their infants. In all, more than 80% of the HCWs will encourage mothers to donate their milk and feed babies under their care with DHM, but only 47% would accept DHM to feed their own children. Health assistants had less favourable views, and negative perceptions were linked to the internet and media sources.ConclusionsThe study highlights health workers’ awareness of DHM but indicates a reluctance to fully embrace it, especially among health assistants. The need for targeted education programs, to address knowledge gaps and negative perceptions, is crucial for the successful implementation of human milk banks in Nigeria. Overcoming challenges, such as safety concerns and sociocultural influences, requires focused efforts from policymakers and healthcare institutions.

Getting breastfeeding started under pandemic visiting restrictions: lessons learned in Germany

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic contact restrictions considerably changed maternal visiting contacts during the time in which breastfeeding is initiated. We wanted to know how maternity ward staff and mothers rated the conditions of starting breastfeeding under contact restrictions.MethodsIn the Breastfeeding in North Rhine-Westphalia (SINA) study, Germany, 2021/22, chief physicians as well as ward staff from 41 (out of 131) maternity hospitals (82 members of the healthcare sector in total) were surveyed by telephone concerning structural and practical conditions for breastfeeding support before and during the pandemic; 192 (out of 426 eligible) mothers answered an online-questionnaire about their breastfeeding experiences at 2 weeks and 2 months after birth.ResultsIn almost all of the hospitals, visits were restricted due to the pandemic, with the exception of the primary support person. After more than one year of pandemic experience, the ward staff were convinced that the restrictions were mostly positive for the mothers (97.6%) and for the ward staff themselves (78.0%). A total of 80.5% of the ward staff would maintain the restrictions beyond the pandemic. The mothers themselves mostly rated the restrictions in the hospital as being just right; moreover, many mothers voluntarily maintained the restrictions at home, at least in part.ConclusionsThe unprecedented visiting restrictions in hospitals during the pandemic were like an “experiment” born out of necessity. Restricting visiting arrangements may be an underestimated beneficial component for the development of the mother-infant dyad in perinatal breastfeeding care, particularly in healthcare systems where almost all births occur in the maternity hospital.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) (DRKS00027975).

Women's perspectives on the role and impact of breastfeeding support groups in Ireland

BackgroundBreastfeeding Support Groups are deemed effective in promoting breastfeeding initiation and duration, but few studies have addressed the mothers’ perspectives. Research aimTo investigate the role and impact of Breastfeeding Support Groups on breastfeeding mothers in Ireland from the women's perspective. Specific objectives included the assessment over time of breastfeeding self-efficacy knowledge, use, and limitations of BSGs and whether they contributed towards women achieving their breastfeeding goals. MethodsAn online survey using an established, validated Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy tool and custom-designed questions was administered at two time points as part of a larger sequential explanatory mixed methods’ design. Cultural Historical Activity Theory was used as the theoretical framework. ResultsMajority of respondents at Phase 1 (N = 978) were multiparous, urban dwellers, and breastfeeding more than twelve months. Mothers first attend Breastfeeding Support Groups primarily to meet other breastfeeding mothers with many attending multiple types of group formats weekly. Qualities considered extremely important in breastfeeding supporters were: personal breastfeeding experience breastfeeding knowledge empathy understanding and listening skills There was no statistical difference in breastfeeding self-efficacy over time (z = -1.296, p = .195, r = -0.06). ConclusionsParticipants attend Breastfeeding Support Groups to ‘meet other mothers’ in a convenient and local location, and not necessarily for a problem. Breastfeeding Support Groups normalise breastfeeding through social support, with breastfeeding supporters providing knowledge, empathy, understanding listening, and personal breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was high and did not increase over time, suggesting mothers need to be highly efficacious in this cohort to breastfeed.

Experiences of breastfeeding among mothers of preterm infants during their infants' hospital stays: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to synthesize the existing qualitative evidence on the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with hospitalized preterm infants. Breastfeeding is crucial for the well-being and development of preterm infants born before 37 weeks' gestation. Mothers of preterm infants often face challenges that make breastfeeding particularly complex. Understanding their breastfeeding experience is important for health care professionals as it enables them to provide appropriate support and assistance. The qualitative evidence synthesis regarding the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with preterm infants in hospital settings is a valuable area of research that has not been documented. This review will consider all qualitative studies that explore the experiences of mothers with preterm infants with breastfeeding and mother's own milk management for their hospitalized infants. All mothers of preterm infants who provide their own milk to their infants will be considered, regardless of their health and social status. This review will follow the JBI approach for qualitative systematic review. The search strategy aims to find both published and unpublished studies with no date limit. A search of PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Embase (EBSCOhost) will be undertaken to identify articles on the topic. Studies published in English will be considered for inclusion in this review. Two independent reviewers will evaluate the methodological validity of the selected papers before incorporating them into the review. Data synthesis will be conducted using the meta-aggregation approach, and synthesized findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach. PROSPERO CRD42024501454.

Perceived Pressures and Mental Health of Breastfeeding Mothers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

When a mother is supported to breastfeed, the benefits for her mental health are significant. However, if pressured or unsupported, the opposite is true. This research examines mothers' breastfeeding experiences, exploring how perceived pressure can impact perinatal mental health. A sample of 501 respondents to a research questionnaire was explored using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three main themes identified were perceived pressure to breastfeed, perceived pressure not to breastfeed and mental health impact. The main findings were that mothers received conflicting advice from healthcare professionals, and pressures to feed in a certain way came from their support networks, as well as from their internal beliefs. Perceived pressures negatively impacted maternal mental health, while positive breastfeeding experiences benefitted mental health outcomes.

Breastfeeding experiences of women with perinatal mental health problems: a systematic review and thematic synthesis

BackgroundDespite its known benefits, breastfeeding rates among mothers with perinatal mental health conditions are staggeringly low. Systematic evidence on experiences of breastfeeding among women with perinatal mental health conditions is limited. This systematic review was designed to synthesise existing literature on breastfeeding experiences of women with a wide range of perinatal mental health conditions.MethodsA systematic search of five databases was carried out considering published qualitative research between 2003 and November 2021. Two reviewers conducted study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal of included studies independently and data were synthesised thematically.ResultsSeventeen articles were included in this review. These included a variety of perinatal mental health conditions (e.g., postnatal depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, previous severe mental illnesses, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders). The emerging themes and subthemes included: (1) Vulnerabilities: Expectations versus reality; Self-perception as a mother; Isolation. (2) Positive outcomes: Bonding and closeness; Sense of achievement. (3) Challenges: Striving for control; Inconsistent advice and lack of support; Concerns over medication safety; and Perceived impact on milk quality and supply.ConclusionsPositive breastfeeding experiences of mothers with perinatal mental health conditions can mediate positive outcomes such as enhanced mother/infant bonding, increased self-esteem, and a perceived potential for healing. Alternatively, a lack of consistent support and advice from healthcare professionals, particularly around health concerns and medication safety, can lead to feelings of confusion, negatively impact breastfeeding choices, and potentially aggravate perinatal mental health symptoms. Appropriate support, adequate breastfeeding education, and clear advice, particularly around medication safety, are required to improve breastfeeding experiences for women with varied perinatal mental health conditions.

Role of Critical Realism in Uncovering Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers Affected by Disaster and Displacement: Researcher’s Reflections

Role of Critical Realism in Uncovering Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers Affected by Disaster and Displacement: Researcher’s Reflections

Breastfeeding When the Mother and the Baby Are Hospitalized Together or Separately

Objective:At the Regional High Specialty Hospital of Ixtapaluca, a lactation unit was implemented to promote breast milk feeding. This report aimed to describe the experience of breastfeeding in scenarios where the mother and the baby were hospitalized together or separately.Methods:This is a clinical practice article that describes situations where direct infant feeding was not an option. Lactation nursing staff provided educational support to mothers for breast milk expression with therapeutic self-care measures to promote exclusive breastfeeding.Results:Supplementation of breast milk was carried out in four scenarios: (1) mother and baby hospitalized together, (2) hospitalized separately, (3) the mother at home and the infant hospitalized, and (4) the mother hospitalized and the infant at home.Conclusions:The lactation unit of a non-obstetric hospital contributed to the promotion and training of exclusive breastfeeding techniques in situations where the mother or the baby was hospitalized.