Aderibigbe T, Srisopa P, Henderson WA, Lucas R. Meta-ethnography on the Experiences of Women From Around the World Who Exclusively Breastfed Their Full-Term Infants.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2024;
53:120-131. [PMID:
38104632 DOI:
10.1016/j.jogn.2023.11.008]
[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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize evidence from qualitative studies on the experiences of women from around the world who exclusively breastfed their full-term infants.
DATA SOURCES
CINAHL Plus, PubMed, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global.
STUDY SELECTION
We selected reports of qualitative studies that were conducted in high-, middle-, and low-income countries; published between January 2001 and February 2022 in English; and focused on the experiences of women who exclusively breastfed their full-term infants.
DATA EXTRACTION
We extracted the following data from included studies: methodological characteristics (i.e., country of origin, authors' disciplines, research design, sample size, sampling, data collection, and data analysis method), participants' demographics (i.e., age, parity, marital status, education, and exclusive breastfeeding duration) and direct participant quotes, and key concepts and themes about women's experiences of exclusive breastfeeding. We managed and stored extracted data using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
DATA SYNTHESIS
We synthesized reciprocal translations using Noblit and Hare's approach to meta-ethnography. Five overarching themes emerged from the meta-synthesis: Favorable Conditions, Not a Smooth Journey,Support, Determination and Perseverance, and Reflections on Benefits.
CONCLUSION
In the included studies, participants experienced challenges with exclusive breastfeeding; however, they also recounted benefits. We recommend 6-month maternity leave and support from family and health care professionals to improve rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Collapse