Knowledge, attitudes and practices of grandmothers related to breastfeeding: a meta-synthesis

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of grandmothers that support or discourage the breastfeeding process. Method: This is a meta-synthesis based on the theoretical and methodological framework of meta-ethnography developed by Noblit and Hare. A critical evaluation of the articles was conducted using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq). Primary and secondary constructs derived from the results of nine articles were grouped into a new theory, leading to tertiary constructs that were presented in a diagram based on the functionality of Sanicola’s Social Network Theory. Results: Grandmothers know the benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of a special diet and proper hydration for the production of good quality milk, but report inadequacies in the treatment of breast complications and the need for breast milk complementation before the sixth month of life. These aspects were also observed: religious interference, opposition of ideas about breastfeeding, and family decisions based on the grandmother figure. Conclusion: Through knowledge, attitudes and practices, grandmothers, central figures in breastfeeding support, support their daughters and daughters-in-law in breastfeeding or discourage breastfeeding with contrary opinions and inadequate guidance.

Declared Reasons for Cessation of Breastfeeding during the First Year of Life: An Analysis Based on a Cohort Study in Northern Spain

“…The differences found could be due to various aspects. First, the maternal desire to abandon breastfeeding can be influenced by the social and cultural context in which the mother lives, considering that grandmothers are key figures in the support and intergenerational transmission of breastfeeding [30,[32][33][34]. Sometimes, the maternal choice to abandon breastfeeding is due to the lack of family and social support.…”

Declared Reasons for Cessation Breastfeeding During the First Year of Life: Multidisciplinary Analysis Based on a Cohort Study in Northern Spain

“…The differences founded could be due to various aspects. First of all, the maternal desire to abandon breastfeeding can be influenced by the social and cultural context in which the mother lives, being grandmothers a key in the support and the intergenerational transmission of breastfeeding [28][29][30]. Sometimes, maternal desire is given by a lack of family and social support.…”

The meaning of the social support network for women in situations of violence and breastfeeding

“…This fact contributed to the discontinuity of EBF and, in some situations, added to the context of IPV and contributed to early weaning. In this regard, meta-synthesis ( 9 ) who assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of grandmothers related to the support offered in the practice of BF showed that they are central figures and influence daughters or daughters-in-law to breastfeed, by offering support, at the same time that they can promote the discontinuity of the act breastfeeding through contrary opinions and inadequate information. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that the network, mediated by the interpersonal context, can both promote support, well-being and changes, as well as the disarticulation of the individual and his ongoing internal processes ( 6 ) .…”

“…The SSN can be defined as the set of interpersonal and social relationships ( 7 ) , which can play both a protective and a risky role for individuals, depending on the context in which these relationships develop ( 8 ) . Consequently, the relationships established in the SSN are associated with the social, cultural, political and religious contexts that are integrated among the generations and, in this sense, directly interfere in the way breastfeeding occurs in the live of women ( 9 ) .…”

“…Consequently, the relationships established in the SSN are associated with the social, cultural, political and religious contexts that are integrated among the generations and, in this sense, directly interfere in the way breastfeeding occurs in the live of women (9) . That said, the importance of incorporating, in the care practices, the participation of the SSN in breastfeeding situations, in order to identify and satisfy the needs of women, as well as minimize doubts, anxieties and ambiguous ideas generated by social practices (of the family support) and scientific knowledge (health field) in order to establish a pleasant breastfeeding (10) .…”