Breastfeeding-oriented education for parturients separated from their hospitalized infants: a qualitative study of nurses’ perspectives in Shanghai, China

Abstract

Background The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are well recognized. However, the separation of the mother-newborn dyad leads to a lower breastfeeding rate. These parturients who are separated from their hospitalized infants are sometimes unaware of the importance of breastfeeding, while nurses do know how important health education on breastfeeding is and how it can be improved. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses regarding health education on breastfeeding and summarize the potential ways to improve it. Methods A descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach was utilized in this study, and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses at a tertiary A-grade obstetrics-and gynecology-specialized hospital in Shanghai, China. The purposive and snowball sampling method was used and Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological analysis was employed. The Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ) was followed to report findings. Results Fifteen nurses participated in the study and shared their suggestions based on their experiences. Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) extending the education duration, (2) enriching the educational content, (3) expanding the education subjects, and (4) perfecting the educational process. Each theme included several subthemes. Conclusion Health education on breastfeeding should focus on the time, content, subjects, and process as a whole. The nurses’ statements provided a reference for nursing or hospital supervisors to take measures to improve education and increase the breastfeeding rate of hospitalized neonates. Further research from the perspectives of parturients and their family members is needed, to find out what the key points are that all of them attach importance to.

Breastfeeding experience of postnatal mothers separated from preterm infants after discharge: a phenomenology qualitative approach

“…If persons with low self-efficacy fail, they will blame themselves, whereas persons with high self-efficacy are prepared to test and try until they reach a solution. Based on the Feng study [ 35 ], we found that mothers of preterm infants reported physically and mentally challenging breastfeeding experiences during the period they were separated from their infants. Most mothers and family members of preterm infants lack breastfeeding knowledge and skills, especially expressing breastmilk and establishing lactation.…”

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for postpartum hypogalactia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after childbirth [ 2 ]; however, only approximately 40% of infants younger than 6 months are exclusively breastfed [ 3 ]. The global exclusive breastfeeding rate is low at 33% [ 4 ], with approximately 29.2% and 25% in China and Europe, respectively [ 5 , 6 ]. PH is the most frequently reported reason for discontinuing breastfeeding [ 7 – 9 ].…”