An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of mothers who continue to breastfeed despite facing difficulties

Michelle Hacking; Leanne Jackson; Victoria Fallon; Joanne A. Harrold; Philippa Davie; Sergio A. Silverio; Pauline Slade

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2023.12.001

An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of mothers who continue to breastfeed despite facing difficulties

Michelle Hacking, Leanne Jackson, Victoria Fallon, Joanne A. Harrold, Philippa Davie, Sergio A. Silverio^*, Pauline Slade

^*Corresponding author for this work

Women & Children's Health

University of Liverpool

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

80 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to mother and infant. Problem: Breastfeeding difficulties are common and are linked with postnatal distress. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of breastfeeding continuation despite facing difficulties. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who had experienced breastfeeding difficulties yet continued breastfeeding. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: The first superordinate theme, ‘Radical acceptance of the imperfect’ included sub-themes of: ‘Taking it day-by-day’, ‘Breastfeeding takes a community’, and, ‘Finding what works for you’. The second superordinate theme, ‘Determination and persistence’ included sub-themes of: ‘Adopting a headstrong attitude’ and ‘Transient challenges versus lifelong achievement’. Discussion: Participants found radical acceptance of breastfeeding as an imperfect, variable process which enabled them to sustain breastfeeding despite challenges. Participants proactively drew on social and personal resources to navigate guidance and to find solutions which worked for their individual circumstances. Finally, open-mindedness, optimism, self-compassion, and being headstrong and determined were all personal qualities which facilitated breastfeeding during exceptionally difficult moments on their breastfeeding journey. Conclusion: Recommendations are made for healthcare professionals: to provide emotional counselling during routine care (with an aim to instil breastfeeding self-efficacy) and to encourage breastfeeding advocacy among fathers and the maternal social support network (with an aim to further scaffold successful breastfeeding). Recommendations are also made for mothers: to develop and refine maternal confidence, patience, flexibility, self-compassion, and trust.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	387-393
Number of pages	7
Journal	Women and Birth
Volume	37
Issue number	2
Early online date	20 Dec 2023
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2023.12.001
Publication status	Published - 1 Mar 2024

Keywords

Breastfeeding difficulties
Continued breastfeeding
Emotional impact
Qualitative
Postnatal Distress

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.wombi.2023.12.001

Hacking, Jackson, Fallon, Harrold, Davie, Silverio, & Slade (2024) - Breastfeeding through difficulties - Women and BirthFinal published version, 382 KBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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title = "An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of mothers who continue to breastfeed despite facing difficulties",

abstract = "Background: Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to mother and infant. Problem: Breastfeeding difficulties are common and are linked with postnatal distress. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of breastfeeding continuation despite facing difficulties. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who had experienced breastfeeding difficulties yet continued breastfeeding. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: The first superordinate theme, {\textquoteleft}Radical acceptance of the imperfect{\textquoteright} included sub-themes of: {\textquoteleft}Taking it day-by-day{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}Breastfeeding takes a community{\textquoteright}, and, {\textquoteleft}Finding what works for you{\textquoteright}. The second superordinate theme, {\textquoteleft}Determination and persistence{\textquoteright} included sub-themes of: {\textquoteleft}Adopting a headstrong attitude{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}Transient challenges versus lifelong achievement{\textquoteright}. Discussion: Participants found radical acceptance of breastfeeding as an imperfect, variable process which enabled them to sustain breastfeeding despite challenges. Participants proactively drew on social and personal resources to navigate guidance and to find solutions which worked for their individual circumstances. Finally, open-mindedness, optimism, self-compassion, and being headstrong and determined were all personal qualities which facilitated breastfeeding during exceptionally difficult moments on their breastfeeding journey. Conclusion: Recommendations are made for healthcare professionals: to provide emotional counselling during routine care (with an aim to instil breastfeeding self-efficacy) and to encourage breastfeeding advocacy among fathers and the maternal social support network (with an aim to further scaffold successful breastfeeding). Recommendations are also made for mothers: to develop and refine maternal confidence, patience, flexibility, self-compassion, and trust.",

keywords = "Breastfeeding difficulties, Continued breastfeeding, Emotional impact, Qualitative, Postnatal Distress",

author = "Michelle Hacking and Leanne Jackson and Victoria Fallon and Harrold, {Joanne A.} and Philippa Davie and Silverio, {Sergio A.} and Pauline Slade",

note = "Funding Information: We would like to extend our thanks to all women who took the time to participate in interviews and share their experiences. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2023 The Authors",

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An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of mothers who continue to breastfeed despite facing difficulties

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

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