Women's perceptions of their healthcare experience when they choose not to breastfeed

Abstract

Women in this study who chose not to breastfeed identified important areas where they felt that their needs were not met. In keeping with the Code of Ethics for Nurses and Midwives, the identified needs of women who do not breastfeed must be addressed in a caring, compassionate and just manner. The care and education of women who formula feed should be of the highest standard possible, even if the choice not to breastfeed is not the preferred choice of healthcare professionals.

Mothers’ experience of not breastfeeding in a breastfeeding culture

“…It required strength to discontinue breastfeeding, which may explain why some continued longer than they wanted to. The mothers in this study wanted more support from health professionals, family and friends, in line with the findings in other studies (Wilsson and Adolfsson , Wirihana & Barnard ).…”

“…The mothers in this study believed they had acted on the basis of the best interests for the child when they stopped breastfeeding. Wirihana and Barnard () also found that women who chose to stop breastfeeding believed it would be best for them and the baby. In spite of this, they had been met with critical attitudes.…”

“…According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), articles 24 and 27 (Norwegian Ministry of Children and Family Affairs ), authorities must ensure that conditions are optimal for children to develop good health and they must support the parents. Women who are not breastfeeding need support, education and the need not to feel pressured (Wirihana & Barnard ). Breastfeeding should be encouraged, but when the baby needs more nutrition, healthcare workers must accommodate this.…”

Volume marker inaccuracies: A cross‐sectional survey of infant feeding bottles

“…Providing parents with education can reduce adverse consequences associated with dilution errors (Sunderland & Emery, ). However, despite requirements for individualized instruction for parents using infant formula in schemes such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, there is evidence that many parents do not receive such education (Tarrant, Sheridan‐Pereira, McCarthy, Younger, & Kearney, ; Wirihana & Barnard, ). Given the vulnerability of formula‐fed infants to a variety of avoidable risks, including those associated with reconstitution errors but also poor hygiene, cleaning, and overfeeding, this is alarming.…”

“…Providing parents with education can reduce adverse consequences associated with dilution errors (Sunderland & Emery, 1979). However, despite requirements for individualized instruction for parents using infant formula in schemes such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, there is evidence that many parents do not receive such education (Tarrant, Sheridan-Pereira, McCarthy, Younger, & Kearney, 2012;Wirihana & Barnard, 2012).…”