The path of determination: exploring the lived experience of breastfeeding difficulties.

Full Abstract

Breastfeeding is the method of choice for infants and most women support the statement that 'breast is best'. Although the majority of Australian women do initiate breastfeeding, many also encounter difficulties in what they assume to be an easy, natural process. Additionally, a number of women face difficulties significant enough to warrant additional support from resources such as the Breastfeeding Centre of Western Australia. Managing these difficulties influences mothers' perceptions of their breastfeeding experiences. However, the stories of these women have not been addressed in the literature. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of mothers with breastfeeding difficulties, who presented to the Breastfeeding Centre of Western Australia. In-depth interviews with ten women revealed three main themes:
'path of determination, 'staying on the path; and 'coming off the path'. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on infant feeding and provides insight to health care professionals working with breastfeeding women.

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Author information

Author/s: Hauck, Yvonne (Y); Langton, Diana (D); Coyle, Karen (K);

Affiliation: School of Nursing and Public Health, Edith Cowan University, Churchlands, Western Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Breastfeeding review : professional publication of the Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia (Breastfeed Rev), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jul; vol 10 (issue 2) : pp 5-12

Dates: Created 2002/09/13; Completed 2002/11/14; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 12227562, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Anecdotes as Topic
Australia
Breast Feeding - psychology
Decision Making
Female

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Infant
Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Infant, Newborn
Time Factors

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