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Kholina K, Brady J, Snelgrove-Clarke E, Rossiter MD, Whitfield KC. Dual modality feeders: a group of human milk feeders with unique practices and needs. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2882-2890. [PMID: 37927150 PMCID: PMC10755423 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dual modality feeding (DMF) - feeding human milk interchangeably from the breast and from a bottle - comes with unique practical, emotional and relational challenges, as well as support needs. Yet, there is little research that explores the experiences of individuals who use DMF in the Canadian context. The aim of this study is to explore the practices, challenges, reasons and enablers of DMF. DESIGN Repeat, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted at 8 weeks and 22 weeks postpartum. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using a critical feminist lens. SETTING Nova Scotia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Ten DMF mothers. RESULTS DMF practices were influenced by a mix of social and material circumstances, including breast-feeding challenges, the involvement of support persons, finances and access to lactation support. Individuals who predominantly fed at the breast expressed milk strategically to mitigate transitory breast-feeding challenges, for convenience under specific circumstances, and to share feeding responsibilities with other caregivers for personal and practical reasons. Individuals who mainly bottle-fed did so due to long-term breast-feeding challenges or a need to return to employment. Enablers of successful DMF were consistent between the two groups and included practical, personal and relational aspects. CONCLUSIONS DMF is a unique practice compared to feeding human milk solely from the breast or bottle. Despite the potential growing prevalence of DMF, it is currently understudied and inadequately addressed in existing support programmes in Nova Scotia. Tailored programming and public messaging are needed to support DMF families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Kholina
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 2J6Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5850 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Brady
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, 15 University Ave, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Erna Snelgrove-Clarke
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, 92 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa D Rossiter
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Kyly C Whitfield
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 2J6Canada
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Ryan RA, Whipps MDM, Bihuniak JD. Barriers and facilitators to expressing milk on campus as a breastfeeding student. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:2031-2037. [PMID: 34293273 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1953504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Despite the growing student parent population, many postsecondary institutions in the United States (U.S.) lack sufficient lactation policies for students. The objective of this study was to explore breastfeeding students' perceived awareness and use of on-campus lactation rooms and identify barriers and facilitators to expressing milk on campus.Participants:A convenience sample of breastfeeding students enrolled in colleges/universities in the U.S.Methods:Information about students' experiences expressing milk on campus was collected via an online survey. Thematic analysis was used to qualitatively analyze self-reported barriers/facilitators to expressing.Results:Ninety-three participants representing 68 unique institutions completed the survey. Barriers to expressing on campus included inadequate lactation spaces, lack of storage for breast pump equipment/expressed milk, and lack of time to express. Conversely, access to adequate lactation spaces, having appropriate breast pump equipment, and on-campus social support, were important facilitators.Conclusion:Comprehensive lactation policies may improve on-campus breastfeeding experiences among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ann Ryan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Steinhardt School, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mackenzie D M Whipps
- Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Dauz Bihuniak
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Steinhardt School, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Grant A, Pell B, Copeland L, Brown A, Ellis R, Morris D, Williams D, Phillips R. Views and experience of breastfeeding in public: A qualitative systematic review. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2022; 18:e13407. [PMID: 35914544 PMCID: PMC9480936 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Breastfeeding rates in many Global North countries are low. Qualitative research highlights that breastfeeding in public is a particular challenge, despite mothers often having the legal right to do so. To identify barriers and facilitators, we systematically searched the qualitative research from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries relating to breastfeeding in public spaces from 2007 to 2021. Data were analysed using the Thematic Synthesis technique. The review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42017081504). Database searching identified 3570 unique records. In total, 74 papers, theses, or book chapters, relating to 71 studies, were included, accounting for over 17,000 mothers. Overall, data quality was high. Our analysis identified that five core factors influenced mothers' thought processes and their breastfeeding in public behaviour: legal system; structural (in)equality; knowledge; beliefs and the social environment. Macro-level factors relating to legislation and inequality urgently require redress if breastfeeding rates are to be increased. Widespread culture change is also required to enhance knowledge, change hostile beliefs and thus the social environment in which mother/infant dyads exist. In particular, the sexualisation of breasts, disgust narratives and lack of exposure among observers to baby-led infant feeding patterns resulted in beliefs which created a stigmatising environment. In this context, many mothers felt unable to breastfeed in public; those who breastfed outside the home were usually highly self-aware, attempting to reduce their exposure to conflict. Evidence-based theoretically informed interventions to remove barriers to breastfeeding in public are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Grant
- Centre for Trials ResearchCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translational ResearchSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | - Bethan Pell
- Centre for Trials ResearchCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- DECIPHerCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Lauren Copeland
- DECIPHerCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Division of Population MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Amy Brown
- Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translational ResearchSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | - Rebecca Ellis
- Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translational ResearchSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | - Delyth Morris
- Subject Librarian, Dental and MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | - Rhiannon Phillips
- Division of Population MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health SciencesCardiff Metropolitan UniversityCardiffUK
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Tsai SY. Shift-work and breastfeeding for women returning to work in a manufacturing workplace in Taiwan. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:27. [PMID: 35392946 PMCID: PMC8991565 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00467-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although breastfeeding-friendly workplaces are provided to promote an employed mother’s breastfeeding intention, few studies have explored breastfeeding intentions and behavior after a mother returns to work on a shift work or non-shift work schedule. To explore the impact of breastfeeding-friendly support on the intention of working mothers with different work schedules to continue breastfeeding, we conducted a survey at a female labor-intensive electronics manufacturer in Taiwan from August 2011 to April 2012. Methods Female workers who met the inclusion criteria (maternity leave between January 2009 and January 2011) were invited to participate in the survey. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 715 working mothers employed at an electronics manufacturing plant in Tainan Science Park in Southern Taiwan. The questionnaire content included female employee demographic characteristics, employment characteristics, continued breastfeeding behavior after returning to work, access to lactation rooms, and employee perception of the breastfeeding policy and support when raising their most recently born child. Results A total of 715 employed mothers’ data were collected. Of the shift workers, 90.1% breastfed during maternity leave, but the breastfeeding rates after returning to work decreased to 21.5% for one to six months and 17.9% for more than six months. Of the non-shift workers, 87.6% breastfed during maternity leave and the breastfeeding rates after returning to work were 24.1% for one to six months and 34.6% for more than six months. Using a lactation room and taking advantage of breast-pumping breaks were significant factors for continuing to breastfeed one to six months after returning to work and more than six months after returning to work among shift workers and non-shift workers. In addition, among non-shift workers, a higher education level of the mother (odds ratio (OR) = 9.57) and partner support (OR = 4.89) had positive effects toward a mother continuing breastfeeding for more than six months after returning to work. Conclusions Workplaces or employers should provide more support to encourage employed mothers to take advantage of the breastfeeding room and breast-pumping breaks, enhance the frequency of the usage of lactation rooms, and increase the rate of continued breastfeeding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-022-00467-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ying Tsai
- Department of Health Management, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Langford C, Gowan M, Haj M. Breastfeeding Experiences of Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study. J Hum Lact 2021; 37:689-696. [PMID: 33351687 DOI: 10.1177/0890334420979981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students returning to school who are breastfeeding face unique challenges. There is limited literature on breastfeeding university students. Several researchers have studied breastfeeding employees in the workplace. Institutions of higher education closely mimic the employment environment. Breastfeeding college students who express their milk while at school share similar challenges to employed mothers. A baccalaureate nursing program is rigorous and little is known about the challenges facing breastfeeding student nurses returning to classes. RESEARCH AIM To explore the breastfeeding experience of baccalaureate nursing students. METHODS Our study was a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to enroll participants (N = 12). In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data both manually and using Dedoose QDA software. RESULTS An overarching theme of pervasive conflict between the role of the breastfeeding mother and the role of the student nurse surfaced. Three interrelated organizing themes also emerged; challenging, vulnerability, and resilience. Time constraints, self-care versus role demands, and structural accommodations contributed to the challenges. Only one participant indicated a knowledge of her breastfeeding rights. All of the participants expressed gratitude for faculty and community support, regardless of conflicts. CONCLUSION Breastfeeding participants were both vulnerable and resilient. Faculty may improve experiences through providing specific areas of support. A breastfeeding support policy outlining student rights and faculty responsibilities is needed to educate, guide, and enforce protections. Health care providers may enhance breastfeeding students' experiences through anticipatory guidance, education, and continued support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Langford
- 5535 School of Nursing, Linfield University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marcella Gowan
- 5535 School of Nursing, Linfield University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Monica Haj
- 5535 School of Nursing, Linfield University, Portland, OR, USA
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Bell E, Hunter C, Benitez T, Uysal J, Walovich C, McConnell L, Vega C, Cisneros N, Hidalgo L, Reyes Walton J, Wang M. Intervention Strategies and Lessons Learned From a Student-Led Initiative to Support Lactating Women in the University Setting. Health Promot Pract 2021; 23:154-165. [PMID: 33884924 DOI: 10.1177/15248399211004283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are strongly supported by research. However, lactating parents who return to school or work soon after delivery face many barriers to continued breastfeeding. This article presents a student-led initiative to support lactation at a large public university that emerged from advocacy efforts of student mothers of color. The socioecological model was used as a framework to understand and address the multifaceted influences on breastfeeding practices. Project activities included providing breastfeeding education to lactating parents and their partners, measuring availability and accessibility of lactation spaces, improving lactation spaces, connecting university stakeholders, and strengthening university lactation policies. The project achieved the following outcomes: formation of a stakeholder group with members across campus departments, improvement in accessibility and appropriateness of lactation spaces, provision of breastfeeding services through workshops and one-on-one appointments with lactation educators, and creation and dissemination of an online toolkit outlining parents' lactation rights and support available on campus. Comprehensive lactation support at universities is essential to enhance educational and professional equity for women and to promote postpartum and infant health. Throughout the project implementation, the team learned many lessons that can help guide similar university initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bell
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Trista Benitez
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jasmine Uysal
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - May Wang
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous researchers have evaluated the influence of federal and workplace lactation policies on breastfeeding duration, however few have considered the experiences of breastfeeding people returning to school. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of existing on-campus lactation spaces. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with student-parents (N = 18) who had expressed milk on campus. Data collection and thematic analysis were based on the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality framework for evaluating health services from the human rights literature and adapted for this study. RESULTS For most participants with proximal access to a designated lactation space, room availability was exceptional and quality was marginally adequate. The provision of breast pumps, in-room sinks, and study desks were important aspects of quality discussed by the participants. Not all participants made use of the university's designated lactation spaces due to either physical or informational inaccessibility. If designated lactation spaces were not convenient, participants found closer alternatives (e.g., bathroom, staff offices, or during the academic session). CONCLUSION Breastfeeding parents who return to school experience obstacles similar to those reported by employed parents who return to work. They require convenient access to appropriate spaces and sufficient privacy to express milk for their infants. In order to best support all learners, university leaders must consider the needs of this unique student population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen Huebner
- 7284 School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Whitney Waite
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
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Blessings and Curses: Exploring the Experiences of New Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. NURSING REPORTS 2020; 10:207-219. [PMID: 34968364 PMCID: PMC8608056 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep10020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the postpartum experiences of new parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The postpartum period can be a time of significant transition, both positive and negative, for parents as they navigate new relationships with their babies and shifts in family dynamics. Physical distancing requirements mandated by public health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic had the potential to create even more stress for parents with a newborn. Examining personal experiences would provide health care professionals with information to help guide support during significant isolation. Feminist poststructuralism guided the qualitative research process. Sixty-eight new mothers completed an open-ended on-line survey. Responses were analyzed using discourse analysis to examine the beliefs, values, and practices of the participants relating to their family experiences during the pandemic period. It was found that pandemic isolation was a time of complexity with both ‘blessings and curses’. Participants reported that it was a time for family bonding and enjoyment of being a new parent without the usual expectations. It was also a time of missed opportunities as they were not able to share milestones and memories with extended family. Caring for a newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic where complex contradictions were constructed by competing social discourses created difficult dichotomies for families. In acknowledging the complex experiences of mothers during COVID-19 isolation, nurses and midwives can come to understand and help new parents to focus on the blessings of this time while acknowledging the curses.
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Mabaso BP, Jaga A, Doherty T. Experiences of workplace breastfeeding in a provincial government setting: a qualitative exploratory study among managers and mothers in South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2020; 15:100. [PMID: 33228745 PMCID: PMC7684936 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-020-00342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Return to employment is a major barrier to breastfeeding continuation, globally and in the Southern African context. The Lancet Breastfeeding Series revealed an explicit need for research exploring breastfeeding as a workplace issue in low- and middle-income countries. A dearth of research on workplace breastfeeding in South Africa calls for attention to this topic. This study sought to explore breastfeeding at work experiences from the perspective of employed mothers and senior managers in a provincial government setting in South Africa. METHODS The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design with multi-perspective semi-structured interviews. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit twelve participants, senior managers (n = 4) and employed mothers (n = 8), from two provincial government departments in Cape Town, South Africa. Interviews were conducted between April and August 2018 to capture participants' experiences with breastfeeding in the workplace. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. RESULTS Four key themes that described experiences of workplace breastfeeding emerged which further traversed three critical maternity periods: pregnancy, maternity leave, and return to work. The prevalent themes were: 1) Knowledge about the legislation and breastfeeding support benefits. Most participants only knew about the legislated four months maternity leave and time off for prenatal visits but lacked knowledge about comprehensive maternity benefits; 2) Perceptions and experiences of breastfeeding in the workplace. Breastfeeding was perceived to be a mother's responsibility and a private issue. As a result, most participants stopped breastfeeding prior to or immediately upon return to work after maternity leave; 3) Barriers to breastfeeding continuation, such as the absence of a conversation about infant feeding plans between managers and mothers; and 4) Recommendations to improve breastfeeding support at work from an individual, organisational and national level. CONCLUSIONS Our study contributions emphasise that breastfeeding support from managers should begin prior to the mother taking maternity leave, and that in addition to providing supportive facilities (such as private space and breastmilk storage), immediate supervisor support may be critical in fostering breastfeeding-friendly workplaces for mothers. Management implications for advancing workplace breastfeeding support in the public sector are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongekile P Mabaso
- Department of School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ameeta Jaga
- Department of School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanya Doherty
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Women's experiences with breastfeeding in public: An integrative review. Women Birth 2020; 34:e217-e227. [PMID: 32402811 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much evidence around public breastfeeding does not reflect experiences of the key stakeholder, the breastfeeding woman, and focuses upon the audience. Selective evidence has explored breastfeeding experiences revealing challenges with public breastfeeding as a serendipitous finding. Although women's experiences have been explored in specific contexts, insight into commonalities reflective of an international perspective is unknown. OBJECTIVE to explore, review and synthesise published literature on women's experience with public breastfeeding. METHODS An integrative review allows inclusion of findings beyond empirical evidence. Whittemore and Knafl's approach was used to capture and analyse evidence from varied sources to provide understanding of a phenomenon from diverse methodologies. PubMed, Medline, Ovid emBase, Scopus, Science Direct, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PsychINFO were searched. Inclusion criteria included publications in English after 2005 offering descriptions of women's experiences. Data evaluation included assessment of literature quality. A constant comparison approach involved comparing, analysing and drawing similar concepts into themes. FINDINGS Integration of women's experience with public breastfeeding from 27 publications covering 12 countries revealed two key themes, what women shared as 'enhancing' and 'challenging'. Challenges included four subthemes: 'drawing attention', 'sexualisation of breasts', 'awareness of others' discomfort', and 'efforts not to be seen'. Enhancing incorporated subthemes: 'supportive audience' and 'confidence'. CONCLUSION Challenges confirm an international commonality that women encounter during public breastfeeding suggesting a multilayered approach addressing community and societal behaviours is required. Insight to enhance public breastfeeding experiences offers direction to improve support.
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Linares AM, Bailey DF, Ashford K. Enabling Nursing Students to Achieve Their Breastfeeding Goals. CLINICAL LACTATION 2020; 11:65-73. [PMID: 34733581 DOI: 10.1891/clinlact-d-18-00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction US workplace law requires employers to provide reasonable break time and space other than a bathroom for breastfeeding women to express their milk. However, this law does not include students in higher education institutions who choose to breastfeed, as students are typically not employed by their schools. The purpose of this report is to describe the joint efforts of faculty members and students to successfully operationalize a lactation room and develop college-specific lactation guidelines in a university in central Kentucky. Method Students from a college of nursing (CON) participated in a survey (N=135), of which 30% were parenting at that time (n=41). Results Responses from this subset were used to make the case to CON leadership and faculty to develop college-specific guidelines entitled, "Guidelines for Lactation Support," which was included in students' handbooks, and to the designated space for a lactation room in the CON building. Discussion The combined effort of faculty, administrators, and students was crucial to promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment in the CON.
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Burns E, Triandafilidis Z. Taking the path of least resistance: a qualitative analysis of return to work or study while breastfeeding. Int Breastfeed J 2019; 14:15. [PMID: 30988690 PMCID: PMC6449947 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-019-0209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In order to meet World Health Organization recommendations for breastfeeding, many women need to combine breastfeeding with return to work or study. Barriers are often encountered when returning to work or study, which can lead to premature cessation of breastfeeding. This study aimed to explore Australian women’s experiences of breastfeeding at one multi-campus university. Method This paper draws on the qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study conducted between April and November 2017. An online survey was used to explore women’s experiences of breastfeeding at university. In total, 108 people participated in the survey. After the deletion of incomplete surveys, 79 staff and students survey responses were analysed. In-depth interviews were also carried out with 10 staff and students. Open text responses and in-depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The analysis revealed four themes. The first theme, University as a positive and progressive environment for breastfeeding, explores staff and students’ experiences of maternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and on-campus childcare, and their relationships with tutors, supervisors, managers and colleagues. The second theme, Finding private and safe spaces for breastfeeding, presents staff and students’ experiences of using designated rooms, car parks, corridors, classrooms, and offices to breastfeed and express breast milk, and their experiences related to storage of breast milk. The third theme, Feeling self-conscious and unprofessional, reflects women’s experiences of mixing their professional and personal lives, and feeling guilty for taking time out to breastfeed. The fourth theme, Developing resilience to judgement, captures women’s realisation that breastfeeding on campus requires the development of a “thick skin” and the capacity to not be offended easily. Conclusions Sustaining breastfeeding requires time and commitment on behalf of the mother, as well as a supportive workplace or study environment. Transforming university campuses into breastfeeding friendly environments is long overdue and requires organisational commitment to achieve genuine reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Burns
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales Australia
| | - Zoi Triandafilidis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales Australia
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