Breastfeeding Among Women With Physical Disabilities in the United States

Abstract

The need for greater supports for women with physical disabilities who desire to breastfeed as well as information for women and their clinicians about facilitating breastfeeding.

“Nobody knows, or seems to know how rheumatology and breastfeeding works”: Women's experiences of breastfeeding whilst managing a long-term limiting condition – A qualitative visual methods study

“…Our findings about a lack of information regarding the safety of medication and breastfeeding are consistent with previous qualitative studies with women with long-term illnesses is the UK, the US and Australia, all of which indicate medication safety is a key factor contributing to a woman's decision to breastfeed (Powell et al., 2017; Webber et al., 2018; Payne and McPherson, 2010). The British Society of Rheumatology's guideline on prescribing drugs in breastfeeding indicates evidence about the safety of rheumatological medication in breastfeeding is limited or non-existent, especially for biological therapies (Flint et al., 2016).…”

“…Qualitative studies have found that mothers with long-term conditions struggle to breastfeed their infants for the recommended six months (Schaefer, 2004). A study looking at breastfeeding amongst women with physical disabilities highlighted multiple barriers to breastfeeding, including medication considerations, limited information specific to their condition, lack of support, and difficulties with milk supply and latching (Powell et al., 2017). Women have also reported a lack of information about the safety of medications when breastfeeding relating to the management of probable post-partum flares of disease activity (Briggs et al., 2016).…”

“…Women with fibromyalgia found initiating and sustaining breastfeeding difficult and frustrating due to the pain and fatigue associated with their long-term condition (Schaefer, 2004). However, a range of facilitators were identified, including physical help with breastfeeding from others such as a spouse, adaptive strategies and equipment, the use of a breast pump, and peer support from other women with physical disabilities (Powell et al., 2017).…”

Breastfeeding and caring for children: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana

“…Pre-term infants have improved cognitive development when they are breastfed optimally with breastmilk [19][20][21]. Meanwhile, mothers with disabilities have challenges with breastfeeding such as limited support, disability related health considerations, limited information as well as difficulties with milk production and latching which culminate in lower rate of breastfeeding [18,22]. Mothers with disabilities have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression than mothers without disabilities [17].…”

Adaptive parenting strategies used by mothers with physical disabilities caring for infants and toddlers

“…Indeed, despite the importance of adaptive parenting strategies for mothers with disabilities, clinicians often are ill‐equipped to support mothers with postpartum planning and many women receive very different care and instruction, or no instruction at all, depending on clinician knowledge (Lipson & Rogers, ). Likewise, mothers with disabilities report a paucity of breastfeeding supports, including lactation consultants who understand their needs and strategies for adapting their breastfeeding techniques to accommodate their disabilities (Guay, Aunos, & Collin‐Vézina, ; Powell et al., ). Although a small number of studies have shown that occupational therapists are sometimes helpful in advising new mothers with disabilities about adaptive strategies, it is imperative that all healthcare and social work professionals increase their knowledge in this area (Payne & McPherson, ; Wint et al., ).…”