This paper addresses the paradoxes of infertility and the explanatory models infertile couples construct to resolve them. The analysis is based on multiple interviews with 53 infertile couples and a comparison group of 10 couples with no fertility impairments in the process of achieving parenthood through pregnancy and adoption, and single interviews with three infertile couples one to two years after having their last child. Couples defined infertility functionally, behaviourally, empirically and phenomenologically to create explanatory models that had one of five organising principles at their core: a) once infertile, always infertile; b) once fertile, always fertile: c) fertile but infertile by prescription; d) pregnancy as cure for infertility; and d) infertile enough but not proven infertile. These models served to integrate and give purpose to infertile couples' experiences of pain and triumph.

Support from nurses can influence breastfeeding rates, but many nurses are not well-informed about breastfeeding topics. Surveys were used to assess the breastfeeding instruction provided in five nursing programs. Most students attended breastfeeding lectures, but only one-fourth received breastfeeding information during clinical activities. After completing their maternity rotation, less than 25 percent had as many as three clinical opportunities to teach breastfeeding techniques or counsel about lactation problems. Completion of maternity rotation did not improve student's knowledge of breastfeeding health benefits or clinical advice. Previous personal breastfeeding experience was associated with more accurate clinical advice and rating breastfeeding instruction as inadequate. We conclude that nursing education may not prepare students for effective breastfeeding promotion, and we suggest solutions for lactation consultants.

The preparation of the research proposal for a study that involves an emergent research design compels the investigator to negotiate the paradox of planning what should not be planned in advance. This paper is a guide to writing the proposal for research in the naturalist paradigm, and includes illustrative sections of a proposal recently funded by the National Center for Nursing Research.

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The overall purpose of the ongoing research project on which this report is based is to explore the transition to parenthood of infertile couples who achieve parenthood through adoption or biotechnical means. Mazing, the process of negotiating the paths to parenthood, was found to be a key component of that transition and the core variable that integrates the experiences of infertile couples after a period of trying but failing to have a child of their own on their own. The theory of mazing is grounded in information obtained from 40 couples who were designated for this study by means of theoretical sampling. Techniques generic to grounded theory research were employed; these included open-ended interviews, constant comparison and subject validation. Mazing, a recursive, iterative and resource-intensive process, includes (a) the construction of a calculus of pursuit, (b) six distinctive patterns of pursuit, and (c) the reframing of desire.