Breast-feeding: midwives meeting mothers in the middle

Abstract

This paper describes a qualitative study in which midwives’ perceptions of high and low quality interactions between midwives and breast-feeding mothers were elicited. Questionnaires using a critical incident technique were distributed to all the midwives in a maternity service in the North of England. Structured analysis of 16 responses (40%) led to the development of four major themes: communication, support by health professionals, inaccuracy/inconsistency of advice and breast-feeding policy. The case for further education of midwives to improve their self-awareness and communication skills is presented along with recommendations related to resource allocation and policy development.

Complex decisions: theorizing women’s infant feeding decisions in the first 6 weeks after birth

“…Currently, they are entrenched in the concept that ‘breast is best’ and the needs of the infant are paramount, regardless of the mother’s needs. This is exemplified in the ten steps to successful breastfeeding (WHO & UNICEF 1991), which are often applied rigidly (Stein et al. 2000, Schmied et al.…”

Women's experiences of infant feeding support in the first 6 weeks post‐birth

“…Although midwives themselves have identified a number of important communication skills required to support women to breastfeed, such as listening, comprehension, consistency and good non‐verbal communication (Stein et al . 2000), it has been identified that health care professionals are often unable to provide the support women need (Coreil et al .…”

“…In addition, it is suggested that current policies and practices are often applied rigidly (Stein et al . 2000; Schmied et al .…”

“…Notwithstanding the apparent shared understanding between midwives and mothers of the need for professional support, it has also been found that health professionals are often unable to provide the support women need and/or want (Coreil et al . 1995; Hoddinott & Pill 2000; Stein et al . 2000; Cooke & Stacey 2003).…”

“…Encapsulating this need, Dykes (2006, p. 44) states that 'breastfeeding women are carrying out a partially learned activity which in the absence of exposure during the socialisation process, combined with low levels of knowledge and support within a given community, requires support from health professionals'. Notwithstanding the apparent shared understanding between midwives and mothers of the need for professional support, it has also been found that health professionals are often unable to provide the support women need and/or want (Coreil et al 1995;Hoddinott & Pill 2000;Stein et al 2000;Cooke & Stacey 2003). This is despite health professionals receiving increased breastfeeding education and the emergence of lactation consultants, particularly in Australia and the United States (IBLCE 2007).…”