Incompatible Expectations: The Dilemma of Breastfeeding Mothers

Abstract

The maternal process of managing established breastfeeding and, ultimately, weaning the child from the breast was explored using the grounded theory method. Data were analyzed from interview transcripts from mothers, field notes, postal questionnaires from fathers, and individual and discussion group interviews with child health nurses within a Western Australian context. A common social problem emerged for women in the management of their breastfeeding when personal expectations were found to oppose the expectations of others. Being confronted with these incompatible expectations resulted in confusion, self-doubt, and guilt for mothers. These findings are discussed to assist health professionals support breastfeeding mothers.

Socially sensitive lactation: Exploring the social context of breastfeeding

“…Approval and encouragement of breastfeeding by partners and significant others is particularly valued by breastfeeding women (Lavender, McFadden, & Baker, 2006;Scott & Mostyn, 2003), as is practical support with domestic activities (McInnes & Chambers, 2008). Decisions related to the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding appear to be informed by the beliefs and expectations of partners and maternal mothers (Hauck & Irurita, 2003;Rempel & Rempel, 2004). Moreover, research with fathers of breastfed babies suggests that although some feel challenged by their exclusion from feeding, most see themselves as supporting and facilitating breastfeeding in a variety of ways, despite sometimes struggling with its practical implications (e.g.…”

Expressing yourself: A feminist analysis of talk around expressing breast milk

“…The focus on lactation as a physiological process in much of the literature to date has resulted in a rather decontextualised understanding of breastfeeding experiences. In an attempt to address this, a number of investigators have employed qualitative approaches with the aim of gaining a fuller insight into the lived experience of breastfeeding (see for example, Hauck & Irurita 2003;Mozingo Davis, Droppleman, & Meredith, 2000). While such research has been useful in highlighting the complexities of some of the issues involved, from women's perspectives, it does not necessarily explore the wider socio-cultural context in which women's experience is situated.…”

Reducing childhood obesity: opportunities to influence transitional infant feeding

“…early solids, infant formula top ups, pressure-to eat). While maternal identify has been well described in relation to breastfeeding and infant formula use, [208][209][210]250 this study provides new information of the ongoing evaluation of successful mothering in the transitional feeding process and its impact on feeding decisions.…”

“…250 Green suggests that the 'good enough mother' which allows the child to adapt to the mother's failures, and the concept of 'collective parenting' which recognises that 'it takes a village to raise a child' provides for happier, less stressful parenting. 150 How motherhood impacts on infant feeding and maternal infant growth expectations has been discussed in relation to breastfeeding and infant formula use, 209 and is explored further in conversations around transitional feeding with mothers in the final qualitative phase of this thesis.…”