Experiences of young Australian mothers with infant feeding

Abstract

Background Despite the overwhelming evidence of health and other benefits of breastfeeding and recommendations to breastfeed by peak health bodies, breastfeeding rates are significantly lower than recommended in Australia and globally. Young mothers are identified as being at high risk of not breastfeeding their infants according to infant feeding recommendations. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of young Australian mothers’ experiences of infant feeding, and to explore the factors which facilitated or hindered adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices. Methods Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit young mothers in Australia (n = 17) aged 18–25 years who had given birth to their first child within the last two years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews via online videoconferencing. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and subsequently analysed. Thematic analysis was conducted using Quirkos, a qualitative data management and analysis software. Results Four major themes were identified: Breastfeeding is challenging; Feeling judged about infant feeding choices; Experiences with breastfeeding support; and Experiences and views on breastfeeding education. Most mothers reported experiencing breastfeeding challenges, particularly those arising from lactation difficulties, yet many were able to overcome these challenges through their determination to breastfeed. Many mothers expressed perceiving judgement from others for breastfeeding in public. Some mothers who were bottle feeding their infants, whether with expressed breast milk or infant formula, felt that they were being judged for using a bottle. Many mothers reported professional, partner, family, and peer support as critical facilitators to the continuation of breastfeeding. Most mothers shared positive experiences of attending breastfeeding education sessions, but indicated the need for community education to reduce judgement toward mothers’ infant feeding decisions. Conclusions The barriers and enablers to infant feeding experienced by young mothers are similar to those experienced by mothers of all ages. Young mothers experience significant breastfeeding challenges and need support from partner, family, peers, and professionals to continue breastfeeding in line with recommendations. Breastfeeding campaigns to support young mothers should be aimed at the wider community to increase awareness of breastfeeding challenges, reduce stigma associated with breastfeeding in public, and to support mothers in their infant feeding decisions.

Breastfeeding Needs in Adolescent Mothers

“…Before and after the delivery, they require support and suggestions to ensure their well-being and address any challenges they may face during breastfeeding. 23,37,39,42,46,47,61 Moreover, the support of family members, particularly their mothers, is crucial for these new moms during the postpartum period and breastfeeding. 34,49,55,61 The supportive needs reported by adolescent mothers encompass emotional support, self-esteem enhancement, practical assistance, informative resources, and dependable support networks.…”

“…Educational and informational support: Adolescent mothers need to assess their breastfeeding knowledge and receive accurate information regarding the benefits of breast milk for infants, techniques for breastfeeding, and solutions for resolving any breastfeeding difficulties. 22,23,40,44,46,48,50,52,58,60,61 Network support: To overcome the responsibilities of caring for the infant and breastfeeding, adolescent mothers require network support from family, friends, sexual partners, and healthcare providers. 26,36,38,53 School support for breastfeeding mothers: The project aimed to support adolescent mothers in their pursuit of education following childbirth.…”

“…23,37,39,42,46,47,61 Moreover, the support of family members, particularly their mothers, is crucial for these new moms during the postpartum period and breastfeeding. 34,49,55,61 The supportive needs reported by adolescent mothers encompass emotional support, self-esteem enhancement, practical assistance, informative resources, and dependable support networks. 24,35,43 Emotional support: Emotional support entails expressing empathy, providing consolation, and attentively listening to someone.…”

“…According to adolescent mothers, they frequently receive unwanted remarks and societal stigma from strangers when breastfeeding their babies in public. 47,52,61 Peer support and peer counseling: Peer assistance and counsel are necessary for adolescent mothers during postpartum and breastfeeding. They have a greater comfort level when conversing with friends rather than professionals.…”

A co-designed evaluation study to identify Breastfeeding Knowledge of General Practitioners’ and Practice Nurses’

“…The aim of this pilot study was to establish the breastfeeding KAPs of GPs and GPNs in one CHO in Ireland. It is recognised that breastfeeding and lactation challenges can develop in the post-natal period and support from healthcare professionals is imperative to achieve positive breastfeeding outcomes ( Brown, 2017 ; Feldman Winter et al ., 2020 ; Buckland et al ., 2022 ; Scime et al ., 2023 ).…”