Is there room for mothers' agency in the choice to breastfeed? A qualitative analysis of mothers' views on messages promoting breastfeeding in Quebec

INTRODUCTION

This exploratory cross-sectional study focuses on the experiences of mothers regarding health messages promoting breastfeeding. The objective is to describe the content and context in which messages are conveyed.

METHODS

A total of 944 new mothers responded to a questionnaire (15-31 January 2021) on their perception of health messages promoting breastfeeding and their feeling of agreement towards these messages, their intention to breastfeed, incentives received, and their relationship with the professionals. Frequencies were carried out for all non-textual data and textual data were analyzed using content thematic analysis. The recruitment was made through social media and snowball effect.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents reported wanting to breastfeed; 91% breastfed their child, 80.8% participants agreed with the messages they received, and 67.9% of respondents strongly agreeing that breastfeeding was the best choice for their child. Moreover, the content of the messages could sometimes be judgmental and coercive, leading to emotions such as guilt. Sixty-two women also reported a lack of support when they expressed their desire or their need to feed their baby in other ways (e.g. breastmilk with bottles or formulas).

CONCLUSIONS

The perceived issue of breastfeeding messages was not the content itself, but the way in which information was conveyed. Failure to take mothers' difficulties into account and failure to present alternatives to breastfeeding were seen as major issues by women. This study highlights the importance of rethinking the way in which information is provided by professionals, in order to reinforce the autonomy of new mothers regarding the feeding of their child.