Nurses' attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia in southern Israel

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. Approximately half of women with schizophrenia become mothers, yet the issue of breastfeeding is often overlooked by the health professional community. The aim of this study was to survey attitudes among registered nurses regarding breastfeeding by schizophrenic women. Cross-sectional descriptive design was used involving a sample of nurses (40 midwives, 37 psychiatric and 33 postpartum) in two medical centres in southern Israel. The validated semistructured questionnaire included sociodemographic and professional questions, personal and professional breastfeeding experience, attitudes and knowledge concerning schizophrenia and attitudes towards breastfeeding by schizophrenic women. The study results indicate that 70% of the respondents held positive attitudes towards breastfeeding in women with schizophrenia, although no significant differences were found between the different types of nurses. Multivariate analysis reveals that academic education was the only variable associated with positive attitudes, while negative feelings towards women with schizophrenia, and extensive knowledge regarding schizophrenia were negatively associated. This study can serve as a foundation for future research to further examine nurses' role in providing postpartum education and care for women with schizophrenia.

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D‐MER) and its implications for mental health nursing

“…Consequently, mental health nurses are likely to encounter a significant number of breastfeeding women, or women who would like to breastfeed than is perhaps routinely acknowledged (Artzi‐Medvedik et al . 2012). Yet, there is good evidence to suggest that difficulties with breastfeeding can exacerbate post‐natal mental health issues (Chaput et al .…”

“…As mentioned, mental health nurses work in arguably a greater variety of settings than many other healthcare professionals including home-based care, primary care, 24-hour emergency department liaison, intimate partner violence services and a panoply of inpatient units. Consequently, mental health nurses are likely to encounter a significant number of breastfeeding women, or women who would like to breastfeed than is perhaps routinely acknowledged (Artzi-Medvedik et al 2012). Yet, there is good evidence to suggest that difficulties with breastfeeding can exacerbate post-natal mental health issues (Chaput et al 2016;Dias & Figueiredo 2015).…”

A mixed methods systematic review exploring infant feeding experiences and support in women with severe mental illness

“…Patel et al (2005)'s qualitative study, women with EDs felt unhappy about their infants' continued dependency on them for nutrition 'I am annoyed that I have to carry on eating to provide milk for my baby'(Patel et al, 2005, p. 357). Though others were motivated to breastfeed as they believed this may help them to lose weight postnatally: 'I dread giving up breastfeeding because of the weight gain'(Patel et al, 2005, p. 357).3.7 | What are HCPs' attitudes towards supporting infant feeding in women with SMI?Two studies conducted in Israel and Greece focused on HCPs' attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia(Artzi-Medvedik et al, 2012; Sakellari et al, 2020). Staff included mental health nurses, midwives and health visitors.…”

“…Staff included mental health nurses, midwives and health visitors. Two themes were generated from these two studies and are discussed under the following:3.7.1 | Overall positive attitudes from HCPs towards breastfeeding among women with schizophreniaThe majority of HCPs held positive views about breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia, with some variation between different staff groups Artzi-Medvedik et al (2012). found that midwives in Israel held the most positive views, while psychiatric nurses had the least positive views.…”

“…found that midwives in Israel held the most positive views, while psychiatric nurses had the least positive views. In Sakellari et al (2020)'s study from Greece, all staff groups held similar positive attitudes about breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia but psychiatric nurses had more positive views when compared to health visitors.3.7.2 | Factors affecting views on breastfeeding among women with schizophreniaVariation in attitudes were found to be influenced by HCPs' own professional experience, their education and training and their own views about people with schizophrenia Artzi-Medvedik et al (2012). found that nurses with greater academic education, including a master's degree had more positive attitudes to breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia, while nurses with more knowledge and experience of schizophrenia as a disorder were less likely to have a positive attitude.…”