It takes a mother to practise breastfeeding: women’s perceptions of breastfeeding during the period of intention

Bettie Oosterhoff, Hinke Haisma, Inge Hutter

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: In the Netherlands, 81% of mothers initiate breastfeeding. After one month the percentage of mothers still breastfeeding drops, despite positive intentions. Little is known about women’s perceptions of breastfeeding during the period of intention.
    Aim: This qualitative study aimed to gain insight into these perceptions among first-time mothers from middle and high socioeconomic backgrounds in the northern part of the Netherlands.
    Methods: We used the theory of planned behaviour as the deductive model. In 2008, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 mothers who intended to breastfeed. The interviews were conducted at two time points (prepartum and postpartum) and covered the same period (that is, from the time when the intention was formed until after childbirth). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory.
    Findings: Five inductive themes were identified: combining breastfeeding with work, learning about breastfeeding, making arrangements for childbirth, reflecting on the intention, and becoming a mother. During the extended period of intention, the women anticipated breastfeeding, but were cautious in expressing their intentions. They felt that the experience of becoming a mother would be critical to their breastfeeding outcomes.
    Conclusion: The theory of planned behaviour has been widely used in breastfeeding research. However, the period of intention is relatively long for breastfeeding. Rather than recommending an intensification of antenatal breastfeeding education, recommendations must incorporate the awareness that practising breastfeeding should not be considered the continuous outcome of the intention to do so – it takes a mother to practise breastfeeding.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)43-50
    JournalWomen and birth
    Volume27
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • breastfeeding
    • netherlands

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