A qualitative study on perceptions of first time mothers about breastfeeding

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is the easiest, cost effective and most successful intervention and the most effective life-saving interventions for the health of the newborn. In spite of profound beneficial effects of breast milk, breastfeeding rates in India are abnormally low. There is lack of qualitative data regarding breastfeeding in India. So, we have planned to assess the perceptions of first time mothers about breastfeeding at this middle part of Bengal.Methods: The study was conducted in the Pediatric department of Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, West Bengal. The study was one of qualitative descriptive types involving in depth interviews (IDI) of 21 first time mothers. The interviews were translated into English transcripts which were then analysed to find out suitable codes and categories.Results: The results of the in-depth interviews of the 21 first time mothers could be divided into seven categories and each of which is further divided into several codes. The categories are: Reaction of mother, inadequate breast milk, breast milk causing ailments of the baby, erroneous idea about breastfeeding, lack of time, lack of privacy and breast milk is best for my baby.Conclusions: In this present study we have applied qualitative in-depth interview approach and able to find out different reasons of non-continuation of breastfeeding among the first-time mothers. Though they have to face challenges regarding continuation of breastfeeding but most of them felt that breastfeeding is best for their baby.

Lived experiences of first-time mothers with exclusive breastfeeding in Kafue, Zambia

“…In contrast, similar studies conducted elsewhere had smaller or larger sample sizes with varied respondent characteristics from different ethnic backgrounds. 86,87 Compared to a study by Risenga & Lebese 72 this study was conducted in an urban set up and therefore this may have had an influence on the findings in that the environment may influence the respondent characteristics and experiences. Furthermore, other studies (focused on working mothers whereas this study had a mix of participants ranging from employed to unemployed and in school.…”

“…Where health professionals have expectations too, this can present a challenge to first-time mothers especially that advice from the community members is often contrary to that of the healthcare professionals whose advice is scientific and evidence based. 86 Culturally, breastfeeding is considered easy and natural, but still first-time mothers experience difficulties and varied challenges with breastfeeding. 36 According to Simonardottir & Gislason 87 in some societies such as Norway where breastfeeding rates are high.…”

“…In India, fathers also reportedly buy expensive formula because they regard it as a sign of being of high economic status. 86 Divergent beliefs on EBF show the need for healthcare professionals to understand sociocultural factors associated with breastfeeding as well as women's perspectives and experiences with breastfeeding to ensure provision of more culturally sensitive breastfeeding support. The influential people in the community including men should therefore be actively involved in breastfeeding programmes as evidence suggests that their involvement leads to improvement in breastfeeding rates.…”