Maternity care experiences and breastfeeding at discharge among Maryland WIC participants: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

BackgroundBreastfeeding imparts numerous health and social benefits for families. Barriers deter some individuals from breastfeeding. Rates are lower among certain populations, including participants of the federally funded Women, Infants, and Children's Program (WIC). Women, Infants, and Children's Program provides low‐income pregnant and postpartum women and children under 5 with nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding education and support, and resource linkages. Investigation of WIC participants' hospital experiences and breastfeeding decisions is limited. We explore qualitative themes associated with breastfeeding‐related hospital maternity care practices experienced by WIC participants.MethodsThirty pregnant individuals intending to breastfeed were recruited at WIC clinics to complete in‐depth interviews at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of postpartum. Using the Thematic Framework methodology, we analyzed data from the two‐week interviews of 29 participants with respect to hospital breastfeeding experiences.ResultsFourteen participants were exclusively breastfeeding at discharge (EBFD). Fifteen were partially breastfeeding at discharge (PBFD). Differences between groups were found in hospital breastfeeding experiences, particularly in staff support. All participants EBFD reported positive breastfeeding‐related staff experiences. Most participants PBFD reported limited and ineffective staff interaction, leading to formula introduction.ConclusionsIndividuals EBFD and those PBFD reported about the same rate of hospital breastfeeding difficulties, yet half introduced formula within the first few days postpartum. Results reiterate the importance of hospital staff support to breastfeeding exclusivity at 2–3 days postpartum. The challenges that these individuals faced may have been resolved through available, responsive, and effective intervention. Data‐driven breastfeeding education programs for hospital health professionals are critical to affect patient breastfeeding outcomes.