A Qualitative Study on the Breastfeeding Experiences of Young Mothers

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding practice for young mothers could be problematic, especially when supports are absent. Evidence reported that young mothers have risks of experiencing mental health problems and of behavioural problems in their children. Data showed that 36 per 1,000 childbirth occurred among Indonesian female adolescents aged 15-19 during 2018. Nevertheless, the breastfeeding experience of young mothers has not been well studied, particularly in the Indonesian context. Therefore, to develop professional caring and supporting relationships, it is important to address this knowledge gap.Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of breastfeeding practices among Indonesian young mothers.Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was employed, and one-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted on 18 young mothers between May until August 2019. Data analysis was guided by Colaizzi’s thematic approach.Results: Four key themes emerged from the qualitative data, i.e., formal support of breastfeeding, the role of family, partner and peers, culture and judgement, and future aspirations and healthcare. Indonesian young mothers sought formal information on breastfeeding from healthcare providers. However, there was a lack of translation into practices due to lack of supports from partners, cultural beliefs, and parents' interference, which consequently led to the failure of breastfeeding. Indonesian young mothers were suggesting that breastfeeding information should also be provided to their circle of supports, such as partners and close relatives. Conclusion: Indonesian young mothers experienced complex situations through their journey of breastfeeding practices. A tailored maternity health service involving partners, parents, and communities into culture-sensitive programme intervention is needed to provide professional caring, and reliable supportive sources of breastfeeding for young mothers.

Breastfeeding Experience of Adolescent Mothers in Bengkulu City

“…The impact of supplementary feeding is to give the baby a feeling of fullness and shorten the period of breastfeeding the baby, which consequently reduces milk production so that breastfeeding becomes ineffective (Astuti, Kurniawati and Kurniawati, 2021).…”

“…This regulates the restrictions on the consumption of food for adolescent mothers such as snacks and certain foods. However, there are recommendations for consuming certain traditional foods to help facilitate breastfeeding mothers (Astuti, Kurniawati and Kurniawati, 2021).…”

Keberhasilan Menyusui di Usia Remaja dan Faktor yang Mempengaruhi: Literature Review

“…Berdasarkan kepercayaan diatas membuat ibu memberikan makanan tambahan selain ASI agar kebutuhan nutrisi bayi tercukupi (45) Berdasarkan penelitian Astuti and Kurniawati (2021) dengan menggunakan metode eksplanatori mengatakan budaya dapat berpengaruh dalam kegagalan praktik menyusui secara eksklusif pada ibu menyusui di usia remaja. Ibu menyusui di usia muda mengalami ketidakberdayaan pada wacana dan praktik budaya yang biasanya diterapkan oleh orang tua ibu serta mertuanya yang dapat berujung terhadap kegagalan menyusui secara eksklusif contohnya seperti pemberian minuman atau makanan tertentu yang diberikan kepada bayinya (19). Berdasarkan penelitian Rohmah, Rasni and Sari (2016) dengan menggunakan metode fenomenologi mengatakan kepercayaan masyarakat terhadap konsumsi jamu untuk ibu pasca bersalin guna meningkatkan kesehatannya.…”

Resisting stigma: the role of online communities in young mothers’ successful breastfeeding

“…We also investigate the determinants of their success and the impact of healthcare on breastfeeding rates [ 17 ]. Previous breastfeeding research has primarily focused on majority groups and has not been conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand, or with young mothers [ 7 , 18 ]. Additionally, young mothers are often portrayed negatively, and their breastfeeding capabilities are framed as ‘at risk’ and ‘vulnerable’ [ 19 ].…”

“…This shift in information-seeking behaviour raises important questions about the role of traditional sources of breastfeeding support, such as health professionals, family, and books. While antenatal services can equip mothers with good breastfeeding knowledge, this awareness does not always translate into practice [ 18 ]. Formal breastfeeding information may be limited and contradictory, and mothers often express dissatisfaction with the practicality of information provided by health professionals [ 23 − 13 ].…”