Maternal Emotions and Experiences of Mothers Who Had Breastfeeding Problems: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background and PurposeMany women are ceasing to breastfeed in the early period due to the breastfeeding problems and difficulties they perceive. Consequently, the approach and support of health professionals to mothers in the post-partum period is very important. The objective of the study is to determine the emotions and experiences of mothers who had breastfeeding problems by using Watson's Theory of Human Caring.MethodsThe research is a descriptive and qualitative type of study. The data were collected from 20 women with the semi-structured interview method based on Watson's Theory. The data were analyzed according to the Caritas Processes of Watson's Theory.ResultsIt was determined that the health professionals did not show enough assistance, support and interest to the mothers who had breastfeeding problems and that the mothers expected respect, empathy, sincerity, understanding, trust, and assistance during this period.Implication for PracticeThe use of the interview methods based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring in the determination of the difficulties and emotions experienced by the women who had breastfeeding problems will be a guide for the health professionals. It is thought that the approaches based on Watson's Caritas Processes that would be made to women who had breastfeeding problems would be effective for understanding their experience and emotions.

The Existential Breastfeeding Difficulty Scale’s influences on the caring dialogue—Child healthcare nurses’ lived experiences

“…As stated in the background, most of the instruments used in clinical settings focus on the objective, physical and/or psychological issues of breastfeeding and/or breastfeeding difficulties [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. According to the results of the current study, ExBreastS has the potential to fill a gap in caring practice, one described by both mothers and healthcare professionals as a need for sensitivity to experiences of breastfeeding and breastfeeding difficulties [ 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. The results of our study show that, when ExBreastS is used in the dialogue, child healthcare nurses are surprised at what mothers report regarding the existentiality of breastfeeding, partly because the experience, obviously, need not correspond to the physical or practical difficulties of breastfeeding.…”

“…However, mothers report that healthcare professionals tend not to show sufficient interest in or provide enough support to mothers with breastfeeding difficulties. In turn, mothers expect respect, empathy, sincerity, understanding, trust and assistance when having difficulties [ 12 ]. Previous research shows that healthcare professionals working with breastfeeding mothers strive to provide care that is sensitive to unique experiences and needs but that this is difficult to manage [ 11 ].…”

Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review of the Literature

“…The reviewed literature shows a strong impact of women's social networks on their decision to breastfeed (30,40). In particular, signi cant otherspartners, mothers, siblings and close friends -seem to have a considerable in uence over mothers' decision to breastfeed (48,60,61). Hence, public health messaging should target not only mothers, but also their signi cant others in developing breastfeeding campaigns.…”

Gebe okulu eğitimcileri ve emzirme hemşirelerine verilen Watson’ın İnsan Bakım Kuramına temellendirilmiş emzirme eğitiminin etkinliğinin değerlendirilmesi

“…Başkalarının hikâyelerini dinlemek onlara için yapılan en iyi iyileştirme yöntemi olabilir [5]. Emzirme problemi yaşayan annelerin yaşadıkları duyguları ve deneyimleri belirlemek amacıyla yapılan bir çalışmada, annelerin duygularının sorulmadığı, kendilerini ifade edebilmek için fırsat verilmediği belirtilmiştir [22]. Emzirme eğitimlerinde annenin öyküsünü dinleyerek kendisini ifade etmesine izin verilmelidir.…”