What influences women to stop or continue breastfeeding? A thematic analysis

Abstract

Background The UK figures suggest that rates of breastfeeding are low compared to other countries. While initial breastfeeding rates have increased, figures are still low for those continuing to breastfeed at 6 months. Aims To understand the experiences of breastfeeding women and what affects their ability to continue breastfeeding. Methods A total of 41 women aged 18-45 years who had attempted to breastfeed between 2011 and 2016 took part in semi-structured interviews, analysed using a thematic approach. Findings Four main themes were identified: attachment, provision of information and support, sociocultural pressures and maternal role. The study found that women reported more positive attachment to their infant when breastfeeding. Conclusions While women were often highly motivated to breastfeed, they often did not receive sufficient information and support, often leading to early cessation. Women highlighted the societal pressures to breastfeed and how this was incorporated into the perception of what it was to be a ‘mother’.

Self‐conscious emotions and breastfeeding support: A focused synthesis of UK qualitative research

“…A sense that breastfeeding was deviant could be exacerbated if women had rarely seen others breastfeed (Condon et al, 2013 ; Hunt & Thomson, 2017 ; Tan et al, 2017 ; Thomson & Dykes, 2011 ). Many participants noted concerns about disapproval or embarrassment if breastfeeding might be observed by others (Condon & Salmon, 2015 ; Entwistle et al, 2010 ; Fox et al, 2015 ; Hinsliff‐Smith et al, 2014 ; Keely et al, 2015 ; McFadden et al, 2013 ; Thomson & Dykes, 2011 ), particularly if they were overweight (Keely et al, 2015 ), inexperienced (Leeming et al, 2015 ; Ryan et al, 2017 ) or feeding an older child (Keevash et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Some also felt guilt about being a nuisance to staff. Several papers referred to embarrassment, related either to interactions with health care providers, which exposed their bodies or perceived shortcomings, or to the responses of others if they were to follow breastfeeding advice (Brown & Lee, 2011 ; Condon & Salmon, 2015 ; Condon et al, 2013 ; Edwards et al, 2018 ; Entwistle et al, 2010 ; Hinsliff‐Smith et al, 2014 ; Hoddinott, Craig, MacLennan, et al, 2012 ; Keevash et al, 2018 ; Taylor et al, 2019 ; Thomson & Dykes, 2011 ). Although not often considered a specific self‐conscious emotion, several papers also referred to feelings of self‐consciousness in front of staff, visitors and family members, which seemed to have a similar meaning to embarrassment (Fox et al, 2015 ; Keely et al, 2015 ; Leeming et al, 2015 ; Ryan et al, 2017 ).…”

“…Despite the potential for mothers to feel guilty about the impact of breastfeeding on others, there were more references to guilt and self‐blame about not breastfeeding or perceived breastfeeding failures (Edwards et al, 2018 ; Fox et al, 2015 ; Guyer et al, 2012 ; Hinsliff‐Smith et al, 2014 ; Hoddinott, Craig, Britten, & McInnes, 2012 ; Hunt & Thomson, 2017 ; Hunter et al, 2015 ; Jardine et al, 2017 ; Keely et al, 2015 ; Keevash et al, 2018 ; Lagan et al, 2014 ; Marshall et al, 2007 ; Redshaw & Henderson, 2012 ; Spencer et al, 2015 ; Thomson & Crossland, 2013 ; Thomson & Dykes, 2011 ; Wade et al, 2009 ). A few studies noted particularly high levels of distress about ‘failures’ (Guyer et al, 2012 ; Jardine et al, 2017 ; Keely et al, 2015 ; Keevash et al, 2018 ; Redshaw & Henderson, 2012 ; Thomson & Dykes, 2011 ), for example: … I cried most of the night on day three, and again I think it was guilt as well, except that I didn't really want to stop. I kept saying ‘I'll just keep trying.…”

Sustaining Collaborative Learning among University Students in the Wake of COVID-19: The Perspective of Online Community Project

“…The collected data were subject to thematic analysis. The latter was considered appropriate because it enables data to be categorised into themes and subthemes for the sake of coherence (Keevash et al, 2018). Accordingly, the data in line with the research objectives were categorised into sub-themes under each objective.…”

Supporting The Role And Transition To Motherhood Through The Occupation Of Feeding

“…The United States Surgeon General lists barriers to breastfeeding to include lack of knowledge, social norms, embarrassment, lactation problems, employment and childcare, and barriers to health services (General (US) et al, 2011). Keevash et al (2018) found that ceasing breastfeeding is often not a choice but is needed due to the circumstances that women face postpartum that are made worse by a lack of education.…”