Journal article 79 views
Breastfeeding in the pandemic: A qualitative analysis of breastfeeding experiences among mothers from Canada and the United Kingdom
Sarah E. Turner 
,
Meredith Brockway ,
Meghan B. Azad,
Aimee Grant ,
Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen,
Amy Brown
,
Meredith Brockway ,
Meghan B. Azad,
Aimee Grant ,
Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen,
Amy Brown
Women and Birth
Swansea University Authors:
Aimee Grant , Amy Brown
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.01.002
Abstract
BackgroundPrevious research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in both barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding. However, little research has looked specifically at first-time mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding during the pandemic or compared experiences of mothers living in different co...
| Published in: | Women and Birth |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1871-5192 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2023
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62724 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Abstract: |
BackgroundPrevious research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in both barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding. However, little research has looked specifically at first-time mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding during the pandemic or compared experiences of mothers living in different countries.AimThis research explores mothers’ breastfeeding experiences to describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected breastfeeding journeys in Canada and the United Kingdom.MethodsTen semi-structured online interviews were undertaken with first-time mothers who breastfed their baby at least once during the COVID-19 pandemic and are living in Canada or the United Kingdom. Interview transcripts were coded inductively using thematic analysis.FindingsOne overarching theme (all on mother) and four sub-themes were identified: 1) accessing and advocating for health care, 2) social support, 3) becoming a mother in isolation, and 4) breastfeeding baby. Similar themes were constructed for both countries.DiscussionMothers reported that diminished health care and social support created challenges in their breastfeeding journey. Many mothers reported receiving virtual breastfeeding support, which was largely experienced as unhelpful. Some mothers reported fewer distractions from visitors and more one-on-one time with their infant, which helped them to establish breastfeeding and a strong mother-infant bond.ConclusionIn both Canada and the United Kingdom, new mothers need consistent, reliable health care and social support when breastfeeding. This study supports the need to protect breastfeeding support in the midst of a global emergency and beyond to ensure positive breastfeeding experiences for both mother and baby. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Breastfeeding; Lactation; COVID-19; Breastfeeding support; Peer support; Health professional |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |