Infant feeding and internalized stigma: The role of guilt and shame

Russell, Pascale Sophie; Birtel, Michèle D.; Smith, Debbie; Hart, Kathryn; Newman, Rebecca

doi:10.1111/jasp.12810

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 82 publications

(107 reference statements)

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“…Evidence has cited activating factors such as traumatic birth experiences, 13 lack of postpartum support, 14 and complex breastfeeding issues 15 . Previous research has also identified that postpartum infant feeding complications can trigger feelings of guilt and shame, 16 which can be associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression 17 . Breastfeeding can generate positive and negative experiences for women that range from feelings of connectedness and pride, to negative emotions such as frustration and disappointment 18 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR): A Descriptive Study

Morns

Steel

McIntyre

et al. 2023

J Midwife Womens Health

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IntroductionFor many women, breastfeeding their infant is an enjoyable experience. Some, however, have reported negative sensations such as an overwhelming need to unlatch while breastfeeding. This phenomenon is known as breastfeeding aversion response (BAR). The incidence of BAR is unknown and literature on this experience is limited. This study therefore aimed to expand the understanding of BAR using an online survey targeting those who have experienced feelings of aversion while breastfeeding.MethodsAn online survey was distributed within Australia using purposive sampling to those who self‐identified as experiencing BAR. This survey contained 5 sections: (1) demographics and health‐related characteristics, (2) breastfeeding difficulties and onset of BAR, (3) the experience of BAR, (4) birth and breastfeeding experience, and (5) coping with BAR and support. Questions were included to test the generalizability of previous qualitative findings on BAR.ResultsParticipants (N = 210) predominantly were aged between 25 and 35 years (69.2%), were in a relationship (96.2%), and had one child (80%). BAR was more commonly experienced when feeding the first‐born child (44.8%), breastfeeding while pregnant (31%), or tandem feeding (10%). The feelings of aversion were experienced by most respondents throughout the feed while the child was latched (76.7%). More than half (52.4%) of participants reported that BAR had caused them to end breastfeeding sessions before their child was ready to stop feeding. Almost half of the participants (48.6%) reported receiving no support from a health care provider for BAR.DiscussionThis study contributes new information about the experience of BAR, including when it commonly happens and who may be at greater risk. More support is needed for women who want to breastfeed while experiencing BAR. New public health policies which promote breastfeeding are needed to help women achieve satisfying breastfeeding experiences and meet their own breastfeeding goals.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR): A Descriptive Study

Morns

Steel

McIntyre

et al. 2023

J Midwife Womens Health

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“…Breastfeeding is a new skill to be learned by first-time mothers and many women experience difficulty in establishing breastfeeding. Their journey may be emotional and women have reported feelings of guilt and distress if things are not going well (Burns et al, 2010 ; Constantinou, Varela, & Buckby, 2021 ; Guyer, Millward, & Berger, 2012 ; Russell, Birtel, Smith, Hart, & Newman, 2021 ). Mothers may even feel they are failing or are not a good mother if breastfeeding is unsuccessful (Jackson et al, 2021 ; Palmér, Carlsson, Mollberg, & Nyström, 2012 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating Maternal Perspectives of Breastfeeding Support Targeted Towards Fathers in the Milk Man Mobile App Intervention

White

Giglia

Burns

et al. 2023

Matern Child Health J

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Background The support of her infant’s father is one of the most important factors influencing a mother’s breastfeeding success, and an increasing number of interventions are targeted towards fathers. Engaging fathers as agents to influence a maternal behavior is potentially problematic, yet few studies report on maternal experiences. Objective This study aims to explore mothers’ perspectives of their partners’ use of Milk Man, a father-focused breastfeeding smartphone app, and the acceptability of this approach. Materials and methods New mothers (N = 459) whose partners had access to the app completed a questionnaire at six weeks postpartum. These data were used to determine knowledge, use and perspectives of the app. A sentiment analysis was conducted on responses to an open-ended question seeking maternal perspectives of the app. Results Just over a quarter of mothers (28%) had been shown something from the app, and 37% had discussed something from Milk Man with their partner. There were 162 open-ended responses related to mothers’ perspectives of the app. Relevant responses (n = 129) were coded to an overall sentiment node and then to a total of 23 child nodes (sub-nodes). Most comments were positive (94), with a smaller number either negative (25) or neutral (21). Negative comments related to the usability of the app and not its intent or content. Conclusion Mothers found the father-focussed breastfeeding app to be acceptable. When designing interventions targeting one group to affect the behaviour of another, inclusion of measures to gain the perspectives of both should be seen as an imperative.

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