Midwives’ lived experience of caring for new mothers with initial breastfeeding difficulties: A phenomenological study (original) (raw)
Related papers
International Journal of …, 2010
For most Swedish women, breastfeeding is an essential part of the childbearing period. Yet, the meaning of breastfeeding from women's perspective is scantily explored. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe women's lived experiences of initiating breastfeeding within the context of early home discharge. Eight women, two primiparous, and six multiparous were interviewed within 2 months after birth. A reflective lifeworld research design based on phenomenological philosophy was used during the data gathering and data analysis. The results show that the phenomenon, initiating breastfeeding, in spite of good conditions, i.e., early home discharge, is complex and entails an existential challenge. The essential meaning of the phenomenon is conceptualized as, “A movement from a bodily performance to an embodied relation with the infant and oneself as a mother.” This pattern is further described in its five constituents: “Fascination in the first encounter,” “Balancing the unknown,” “Devoting oneself and enduring the situation,” “Seeking confirmation in the unique,” and “Having the entire responsibility.” Caring for women initiating breastfeeding entails, from a caring science perspective, to help the mother meet insecurity and strengthen confidence to trust her ability to breastfeed the newborn infant. According to these findings, it is suggested in the discussion that it is time for health care professionals to reject the idea of breastfeeding merely as meals or eating for the infant. Instead, they ought to embrace its origin, namely as a way to closeness between mother and infant.
Caught on the Fringes of Life: Mothers’ Lived Experiences of Initial Breastfeeding Complications
Qualitative Health Research
Becoming a parent changes one’s life, and existential questions arise. Time and being oscillate between joy and powerlessness, vulnerability, and self-confidence, between harmony and unpreparedness. Breastfeeding, one of the first skills new mothers try to master, can be joyful and painful. The aim of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of initial breastfeeding complications as they are lived and experienced by mothers and how these mothers can be supported. Twelve mothers were interviewed, and a phenomenological lifeworld approach was used. Nourishing an infant and having initial breastfeeding complications can be understood by the essence and its constituents. Expectations are fulfilled, and expectations come to naught when complications are experienced such as wavering between powerlessness and joy and finding solutions through resistance. The results suggest that lifeworld-led caring may lead to deepened acknowledgment and the possibility for mothe...
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being
A majority of women in Sweden initiate breastfeeding but almost a quarter stop or wean the infant in the first few weeks after birth because of difficulties. In order to develop care that facilitates initiation of breastfeeding and enables mothers to realize their expectations concerning breastfeeding, it is necessary to understand what having severe breastfeeding difficulties means for women who experience them. The aim of this study is to describe the lived experiences of initiating breastfeeding under severe difficulties. A reflective lifeworld research design was used. Eight women, seven primiparous and one multipara, were interviewed within 2 months of giving birth. The essential meaning of the phenomenon is described as "Existential lostness as a mother forcing oneself into a constant fight". This pattern is further explicated through its constituents; shattered expectations, a lost time for closeness, being of no use to the infant, being forced to expose oneself, an...
Two sides of breastfeeding support: experiences of women and midwives
International Breastfeeding Journal, 2010
Background: Midwives' support of breastfeeding in maternity wards has been proven to provide an impact on women's breastfeeding experiences. In previous studies women describe professional support unfavourably, with an emphasis on time pressures, lack of availability or guidance, promotion of unhelpful practices, and conflicting advice. Thus, the present study aims to investigate women's experiences and reflections of receiving breastfeeding support and midwives' experiences and reflections of giving breastfeeding support. Methods: This study was carried out in a county in southwestern Sweden during 2003-2004. A qualitative method, content analysis, was chosen for the study. The data came from interviews with women as well as interviews with midwives who were experienced in breastfeeding support.
Midwives' lived experience of caring during childbirth--a phenomenological study
Sexual & reproductive healthcare : official journal of the Swedish Association of Midwives, 2014
The aim of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of midwives' lived experience of caring during childbirth in a Swedish context. Ten midwives were recruited from one university hospital with two separate delivery units in western Sweden. Data were collected by both written narratives and interviews. With an inductive approach using a descriptive phenomenological method, the answers to the question: "Can you describe a situation in which you felt that your caring was of importance for the woman and her partner?" were analysed. A general structure of the phenomenon of caring in midwifery during childbirth, including five key constituents: sharing the responsibility, being intentionally and authentically present, creating an atmosphere of calm serenity in a mutual relationship, possessing the embodied knowledge, and balancing on the borders in transition to parenthood. This study emphasises how the midwives shared the responsibility and their possessed embodied ...
2016
The University of Manchester Georgina Afoakwah, Degree of PhD Exploring the lived experience of first-time breastfeeding women: A phenomenological study in Ghana Background: Breastfeeding is globally recognised as a gold standard of nutrition, recommended for the first six months of an infant's life. Despite its benefits, most women in Ghana do not breastfeed, as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Aim: To gain in-depth understanding of first-time Ghanaian mother lived experience of breastfeeding. Design/Method: A longitudinal qualitative design was adopted, underpinned by the hermeneutic phenomenological approach, as described by van Manen (1990). The study explored the lived experiences of thirty first-time women recruited from antenatal clinic. A series of three semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted; the first in late pregnancy, the second in the first week following childbirth and the final one between four and six months postpartum. Findings: Inductive thematic analysis informed by van Manen (1990) and principles of hermeneutic interpretation allowed the emergence of four main themes: the 'Breastfeeding Assumption,' Breastfeeding as Women's Business,' the Postnatal Breastfeeding Experience and 'Family as Enabler or Disabler'. Within the context of this study, breastfeeding is expressed as an activity within the family and social environment. The overall phenomenon that emerged was 'Social Conformity'. This demonstrates an understanding of the breastfeeding experience suffused with emotions as women project an image of themselves as successful breast feeders in order to conform to family and social expectations. Conclusion: Findings from the study demonstrated the multifactorial dimensions of breastfeeding. Most importantly, it was identified that first-time breastfeeding women use emotion work to cope with their experience of breastfeeding, within the social context. It was suggested that midwives play a pivotal role in helping women develop realistic expectations prior to breastfeeding. Furthermore encouraging family centered education that promotes holistic support for women. The findings therefore suggested the need for better antenatal education based on evidencebased practice. Breastfeeding women require individualised support that assesses their emotional needs and offers encouragement. Developing policies that ensure training of midwives and breastfeeding advocates was recommended. Future research could explore the impact of these interventions on breastfeeding practices, helping first time women to breastfeed effectively. Declaration There is no portion of the work referred to in this thesis that has been submitted in support of an application for another degree or qualification of this or any other university or other institute of learning.
Revista Psicologia e Saúde, 2023
Background: In this study, we explored the mothers perception about their breastfeeding or weaning process. Methods: We conducted a clinical-qualitative study consisting of individual interviews with an intentional sample, closed by theoretical saturation criterion. Results: We analyzed the data using clinicalqualitative content analysis. We interviewed nine mothers aged between 29 and 41 years, who exclusively breastfed for 2 to 6 months. We established three thematic categories: 1) "The weaning paradox: between discomfort and relief from the process"; 2) "Leaving something behind: the bond with the child or with the work?"; and 3) "Ambiguity of control and care". Women who breastfeed or are in the process of weaning face many contradictory feelings, generating challenges and anguish to decide the best way to care. Conclusions: Health professionals can improve these women's experiences by opening a space for listening and understanding the emotional and social conditions involved.
Breastfeeding practice in the UK: midwives’ perspectives
Maternal & Child Nutrition, 2007
Despite breastfeeding prevalence increasing, many mothers in developed countries are dissatisfied with care provided by midwives. However, a paucity of research exists related to midwives' experiences of supporting breastfeeding mothers. This study explored the experiences of English midwives' during their breastfeeding support role. A qualitative study using grounded theory principles was used. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analysed using constant comparative techniques. The setting was two maternity hospitals in the North of England, UK. Thirty midwives who cared for normal, healthy babies participated. Volunteers were recruited using theoretical sampling techniques. The core category that emerged is called 'surviving baby feeding' and relates to midwives' experiences when supporting mothers. The results reported in this paper refer to one category called 'doing well with feeding' which has three main themes: (1) communicating sensitively, (2) facilitating breastfeeding, and (3) reducing conflicting advice. Participating midwives reported practice that suggests that they valued breastfeeding, attempted to provide realistic information and advice, and tried to minimise confusion for mothers. However, some midwives used an authoritative manner when conversing with mothers. English midwives' reported practice demonstrates that these midwives appreciated that breastfeeding mothers required specific support. However, breastfeeding education that encourages midwives to develop effective skills in ascertaining mother's needs, but also encourages mothers to effectively participate in their care, should be provided. Further research is needed to clarify breastfeeding mother's expectations and needs.
Midwives' reported practice supporting the first breastfeed
2009
Birthing room practices can either hinder or promote the initiation of breastfeeding. In Australia, midwives usually support mothers and newborns with the first breastfeed. The aim of this paper is to explore midwives reported practice, assisting mothers initiate breastfeeding in the birthing room. A self-report questionnaire that included open-ended questions was mailed to a national sample of Australian midwives. Open-ended responses to questions related to a birthing room practice scenario were analysed using content analysis to facilitate thematic description. Midwives reported that at the immediate time of birth, they offered support and choice to mothers. The midwives also identified that their practice was often impacted on by workplace structures and these were often barriers to their role at this time. Some midwives indicated that they would use a 'hands-off' approach at birth, although others indicated ways in which they would intervene including some who reported a 'hands-on' approach to assist mothers with the first breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. Lactation education support for midwives is required to change workplace culture and improve practice. More research is needed to establish best practice to support mothers with the first breastfeed. It could be that some level of 'hands-on' help provided skillfully may be effective. More research is needed to investigate the effect of 'hands-on' help described by skillful experienced midwives, and association with sustained problem free breastfeeding.