Exploring Experiences Regarding Breastfeeding Among Mothers: A Qualitative Enquiry

Abstract

Background: The implication and outcome of breastfeeding on mother's and infant's health keeping in mind the effects it will have when viewed as short-term and long-term aspects depends on the overall health of the infant. Child’s optimal physical and mental growth, intelligence, satisfaction of mother's and infant's emotional bonding, reduced infections, certain respiratory conditions is directly proportional to the adequacy and sufficiency of the breastmilk given by the mother. Mother’s breastmilk is regarded as the purified nectar for the young one which sets standards for the lifelong healthy living of the neonate. And therefore, World Health Organization has been insisting on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and to be continued upto 2 years along with the weaning foods. However, its alarming to note that the rate at which exclusive breastfeeding is done is below 37 % as reported by American Academy of Paediatrics.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify and study the missing elements among women who fail to recognize the factors which hinders their decision to continue breastfeeding, promote breastfeeding from their point of view.

Materials & Methods: A qualitative approach with phenomenological research design was deployed for the study. Non- Probability Purposive sampling techniques was adopted for the study. 19 Postnatal mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding their infants were interviewed in depth with semi structured interview questions. Both primipara & multipara mothers were recruited for the study. The study setting was urban areas of metropolitan city. Analysis was done through thematic analysis where codes were formulated, sub themes were drawn and themes were identified.

Results: The results were analyzed, which gave rise to seven themes, with sub-themes revolving around the themes drawn, 80 codes were identified which justified the emergence of themes. Themes were as: Knowledge Source, unskilled breastfeeding practice,(Inadequacy in handling the newborn during feeding), over influx of information and knowledge, traditional belief system, emerging problems during breastfeeding causing hinderance, Balancing Work, societal support for breastfeeding.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes that mothers do have knowledge from different sources, too much knowledge which at times becomes overt at may be confusing to the mothers especially the primipara postnatal mothers. They need assistance while feeding the newborn which again is typically narrated by the  both primipara & multipara mothers. Traditional blief systems play a major role in the myths , beliefs , traditional dietary practices which influences the choices and breastfeeding practices. Problems associated with breastfeeding affect the feeding practices also causes issues with the mothers. Working mothers always have a guilt approach which sadly is unseen by the employers which adds to the apathy of the working postnatal mother. Societal help, support is always a welcome sign for the mothers who need to be understood, love and cared for during the most crucial turn of her life.