scholarly journals Midwives’ Time and Presence: A Key Factor in Facilitating Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Gleeson ◽  
Karen Flowers ◽  
Jennifer Fenwick
Keyword(s):  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Early Postnatal Period ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The Gift ◽  
Key Factor

BACKGROUND: There is now a plethora of work that has examined new mothers’ experiences of receiving breastfeeding support. However, there remains limited literature describing women’s experiences of receiving this support from midwives in the early postnatal period.AIM: The study aimed to explore and describe women’s experiences of receiving breastfeeding support from midwives in the early postnatal period.METHOD: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Six first-time mothers who initiated breastfeeding after birth consented to be involved and participated in an in-depth interview. The techniques associated with dimensional analysis and constant comparison were used to analyze the data set.FINDINGS: Two categories were identified that described women’s experiences of midwifery breastfeeding support. These were related to the midwives’ ability to spend and give the gift of time to women. Alternatively, the midwife’s busyness and inability to be present for the woman was considered a barrier to receiving positive breastfeeding support and the woman’s ability to problem solve any breastfeeding issues.CONCLUSION: The findings of this study confirm both the importance of midwives spending time providing breastfeeding support and the negative consequences of a lack of time given for the provision of this support. Mothers have asked for midwives to be present; investing time in them, listening to them, and helping them solve problems. Current care models present barriers contributing to both the perceptions and realities of midwives’ lack of time, presenting a need to reconsider the design of maternity care environments and to adopt a caseload approach where women receive relationship-based care.

scholarly journals Women’s experiences of the Odon Device to assist vaginal birth and participation in intrapartum research: a qualitative study in a maternity unit in the Southwest of England

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e057023
Author(s):  
Emily J Hotton ◽  
Natalie S Blencowe ◽  
Erik Lenguerrand ◽  
Tim J Draycott ◽  
Joanna F Crofts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Vaginal Birth ◽  
Maternity Unit ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Registration Number

ObjectiveTo investigate women’s experiences of having a birth assisted by the Odon Device (an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth) and participation in intrapartum research.DesignQualitative semistructured interviews and observations undertaken in the context of case study work embedded in the ASSIST feasibility study.SettingA tertiary referral National Health Service (NHS) maternity unit in the Southwest of England, between 8 October 2018 and 26 January 2019.ParticipantsEight women, four operators and 11 midwives participated with eight observations of the assisted vaginal birth, eight interviews with women in the postnatal period, 39 interviews/reflections with operators and 19 interviews with midwives. Women in the case study research were recruited from participants in the main ASSIST Study.InterventionThe Odon Device, an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth.ResultsThirty-nine case studies were undertaken. Triangulation of data sources (participant observation, interviews with women, operators and midwives) enabled the exploration of women’s experiences of the Odon Device and recruitment in the intrapartum trial. Experiences were overwhelmingly positive. Women were motivated to take part by a wish for a kinder birth, and because they perceived both the recruitment and research processes (including observation) to be highly acceptable, regardless of whether the Odon-assisted birth was successful or not.ConclusionsInterviews and observations from multiple stakeholders enabled insight into women’s experiences of an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth. Applying these qualitative methods more broadly may illuminate perspectives of key stakeholders in future intrapartum intervention research and beyond.Trial registration numberISRCTN10203171; ASSIST Study registration; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10203171.

scholarly journals Women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period in The Gambia: A qualitative study

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 528-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Sawyer ◽  
Susan Ayers ◽  
Helen Smith ◽  
Lamin Sidibeh ◽  
Ousman Nyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences

scholarly journals ‘Surely you’re not still breastfeeding’: a qualitative exploration of women’s experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e035199
Author(s):  
Amy J Thompson ◽  
Annie E Topping ◽  
Laura L Jones
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

ObjectivesTo explore women’s experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy (>1 year). Understanding these experiences, including the motivators, enablers and barriers faced, may help inform future strategies to support and facilitate mothers to breastfeed for an optimal duration.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study using an interpretive approach. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted (in person, via phone or Skype), transcribed and thematically analysed using the framework method.SettingParticipants drawn from across the UK through online breastfeeding support groups.ParticipantsMaximum variation sample of women currently breastfeeding a child older than 1 year, or who had done so in the previous 5 years. Participants were included if over 18, able to speak English at conversational level and resident in the UK.ResultsThe findings offer insights into the challenges faced by women breastfeeding older children, including perceived social and cultural barriers. Three core themes were interpreted: (1) parenting philosophy; (2) breastfeeding beliefs; (3) transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Women had not intended to breastfeed beyond infancy prior to delivery, but developed a ‘child-led’ approach to parenting and internalised strong beliefs that breastfeeding is the biological norm. Women perceived a negative shift in approval for continued breastfeeding as their child transitioned from ‘baby’ to ‘toddler’. This compelled woman to conceal breastfeeding and fostered a reluctance to seek advice from healthcare professionals. Mothers reported feeling pressured to breastfeed when their babies were young, but discouraged as children grew. They identified best with the term ‘natural-term breastfeeding’.ConclusionsThis study suggests that providing antenatal education regarding biological weaning ages and promotion of guidelines for optimum breastfeeding duration may encourage more women to breastfeed for longer. Promoting the concept of natural-term breastfeeding to mothers, and healthcare professionals, employers and the public is necessary to normalise and encourage acceptance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.

Supportive maternity care services: A Danish study exploring parents’ experiences with perinatal mental health issues

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M S Frederiksen ◽  
V Schmied ◽  
C Overgaard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Early Motherhood ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Mental illness can have negative impact on pregnant women, their infants and their families, including adverse birth outcomes, as well as place children at risk of developing mental illness later in life. It is recommended to offer additional support in the ante - and postnatal period, but to be able to offer appropriate, timely and effective care, more knowledge is needed on women's own experiences. The aim of this paper is to explore women's experiences with mental illness in the context of pregnancy and early motherhood, and how they experience and engage with supportive services. Methods This paper presents selected findings from an ethnographic field study carried out in a Danish municipality. The findings are based on data from 22 women, who were recruited when they were pregnant or had a newborn baby. The women were currently facing or had previously suffered from one or multiple mental health conditions. Results Analysis found that women with current or prior mental illness experienced a high level of fear, worries and uncertainty during pregnancy and early motherhood, which shaped how they engaged with supportive maternity services. Some were deeply worried about their mental health and reached out for support to cope with this. Concerns about being a bad mother and about the potential influence of their mental illness on their infants were common. Furthermore, some women were scared of being judged as unfit mothers and losing custody of their children. Many experienced stigma surrounding mental illness, making some more hesitant about reaching out for support. Conclusions By providing new insight into women's own perspectives, this study contributes with in-depth knowledge on women's experiences with mental illness during pregnancy and early motherhood, and illustrates how engaging with supportive services may be an ambivalent experience.

scholarly journals Using liminality to understand mothers’ experiences of long-term breastfeeding: ‘Betwixt and between’, and ‘matter out of place’

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Dowling ◽  
David Pontin
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Breastfeeding Initiation ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The United Kingdom

Breastmilk is widely considered as the optimum nutrition source for babies and an important factor in both improving public health and reducing health inequalities. Current international/national policy supports long-term breastfeeding. UK breastfeeding initiation rates are high but rapidly decline, and the numbers breastfeeding in the second year and beyond are unknown. This study used the concept of liminality to explore the experiences of a group of women breastfeeding long-term in the United Kingdom, building on Mahon-Daly and Andrews. Over 80 breastfeeding women were included within the study, which used micro-ethnographic methods (participant observation in breastfeeding support groups, face-to-face interviews and online asynchronous interviews via email). Findings about women’s experiences are congruent with the existing literature, although it is mostly dated and from outside the United Kingdom. Liminality was found to be useful in providing insight into women’s experiences of long-term breastfeeding in relation to both time and place. Understanding women’s experience of breastfeeding beyond current usual norms can be used to inform work with breastfeeding mothers and to encourage more women to breastfeed for longer.

scholarly journals Women's experiences of their interactions with health care providers during the postnatal period in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Pollock ◽  
Megan Cooper ◽  
Alexa McArthur ◽  
Timothy Barker ◽  
Zachary Munn
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences

Women's experiences of perineal pain during the immediate postnatal period: A cross-sectional study in Brazil

Midwifery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. e254-e259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Amorim Francisco ◽  
Sonia Maria Junqueira Vasconcellos de Oliveira ◽  
Flora Maria Barbosa da Silva ◽  
Debra Bick ◽  
Maria Luiza Gonzalez Riesco
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Perineal Pain ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences

Changes to sexual and intimate relationships in the postnatal period: women’s experiences with health professionals

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Woolhouse ◽  
Ellie McDonald ◽  
Stephanie J. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Relationships ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Child Health Nurse ◽  
First Child

Women navigate many social changes when they become a mother, often including considerable changes to intimate and sexual relationships. This paper draws on data collected in an Australian multicentre prospective nulliparous pregnancy cohort study and a nested qualitative substudy exploring women’s experiences of sex and intimacy after the birth of their first child. In all, 1507 women were recruited in early pregnancy (mean gestation 15 weeks) and completed self-administered questionnaires at 3, 6 and 12 months and 4.5 years postpartum. Eighteen participants were interviewed 2.5–3.5 years after the birth of their first child regarding sex and intimacy after having a baby. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Cohort data reveal a considerable drop in both emotional satisfaction and physical pleasure in intimate relationships after birth, with emotional satisfaction continuing to fall up until 4.5 years postpartum. Less than one-quarter of participants reported that their general practitioner had asked directly about sexual health or relationship problems in the first 3 months postpartum (23% and 18%, respectively). In contrast, 13% of women reported that a maternal and child health nurse had asked directly about sexual problems since the birth, and 31% had asked directly about relationship problems. In-depth interviews revealed that relationships with intimate partners were important issues for women following childbirth, and women were seeking reassurance from health professionals that their changing experiences of sex and intimacy after childbirth were ‘normal’. Some women felt they had ‘fallen through the gaps’ and there was not an opportunity provided by health professionals for them to discuss changes affecting their sexual and intimate relationships. The findings suggest that intimate relationships are significantly strained in the years following childbirth and women want more information from primary health care professionals regarding changes to intimate and sexual relationships after childbirth.

One Step for a Hospital, Ten Steps for Women: African American Women’s Experiences in a Newly Accredited Baby-Friendly Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Miller ◽  
Adetola F. Louis-Jacques ◽  
Tara F. Deubel ◽  
Ivonne Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
American Women ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Women's Center

Background: Despite strides made by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to improve and normalize breastfeeding, considerable racial inequality persists in breastfeeding rates. Few studies have explored African American women’s experience in a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative system to understand sources of this inequality. Research aim: This study aimed to explore African American women’s experiences of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding at a women’s center associated with a university-affiliated hospital that recently achieved Baby-Friendly status. Methods: Twenty African American women who had received perinatal care at the women’s center and the hospital participated in qualitative interviews about their experiences. Data were organized using the framework method, a type of qualitative thematic analysis, and interpreted to find how African American women related to policies laid out by the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Results: Three key themes emerged from the women’s interviews: (a) An appreciation of long-term relationships with medical professionals is evident at the women’s center; (b) considerable lactation problems exist postpartum, including lack of help from Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative sources; and (c) mothers’ beliefs about infant autonomy may be at odds with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Conclusion: Hospitals with Baby-Friendly status should consider models of breastfeeding support that favor long-term healthcare relationships across the perinatal period and develop culturally sensitive approaches that support breastfeeding beliefs and behaviors found in the African American community.

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