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Background Human milk expression, primarily by pump, is practiced by the majority of breastfeeding mothers in affluent countries. Existing literature is focused on determining prevalence and duration rates and the factors behind this trend. There is less research exploring mothers’ perspectives and experiences related to expression. Research aim To gather the experiential wisdom of mothers with a focus on their information needs and sources related to human milk expression. Methods Audiotaped interviews were conducted with 35 mothers of infants, aged birth to 24 months, who had expressed milk at least once in western Canada. This study was guided by interpretive description, an applied qualitative research approach. Results Registered nurses and international board-certified lactation consultants were the most common sources of information, with Internet, friends/family, and other mothers also important. Inconsistent expression advice was confusing for participants, and many reported health care providers did not address all their expression learning needs. Desired topic areas included practical advice on how to express, determining expression frequency/timing/duration, milk storage guidelines, the influence of expression on milk supply, product information, and general support/encouragement. Conclusions Assessment of expression learning needs should be part of routine lactation support at each encounter. Nonjudgmental, factual guidance will assist mothers in making evidence-informed decisions related to expression practices that are consistent with their unique breastfeeding goals. This should be supplemented by reputable online resources that provide timely and accurate information as well as efforts to connect mothers with peer support groups.

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Background: The nexus between pregnancy and substance use disorders is usually studied from the perspective of the fetus, quantitatively examining the risks associated with in utero substance exposure. There is little regard for the mother and her experience. With an awareness of some of the challenges pregnant women with substance use disorders face, the purpose of this research was to explore how pregnancy and substance use disorders are situated within motherhood and to identify opportunities to shift the understanding of women’s experiences among health care professionals so more supportive care can be offered. Methods: Narrative inquiry was used for this research. The researcher engaged with three pregnant women who self-identified as having a substance use disorder.  Formal and informal conversations, field notes, and a research journal were used to collect data. Narratives were co-constructed between the researcher and each woman.  Results: The results are presented as excerpts from each woman’s narrative. Narratives extended beyond pregnancy and into a period of conditional motherhood where women were forced to meet state mandated conditions or risk loss of motherhood. Sobriety was fragile and impacted by stressful events such as child apprehension and treatment programs did not meet the needs of mothers. Conclusions: Ongoing, comprehensive services that support pregnant women and are continued into the postpartum period are needed. Peer support models may be an effective means for providing pregnancy specific substance use treatment. Treatment programs must be accessible and meet the distinct needs of women. Extensive breastfeeding support should be considered for women in recovery to promote mother infant attachment.