References
Mothers' experiences of negative interactions with health professionals when breastfeeding beyond 1 year
Abstract
This study explores women's negative interactions with health professionals when continuing to breastfeed beyond the first year. The research used a cross-sectional design, with an online questionnaire to gather responses from women worldwide who reported negative experiences with health professionals related to continued breastfeeding between the ages of 1 and less than 2 years. The study used content analysis to analyse responses from 1951 participants. Experiences of negative interactions with health professionals involved advising women to wean (74%), judging the women (18%), stigmatising the women (17%) or telling the women that breastfeeding would affect their healthcare (5%). The findings highlight the urgent need for widespread training programmes, advocating for evidence-based, supportive and non-judgemental care. Healthcare systems are urged to prioritise comprehensive training initiatives aligned with current recommendations, fostering environments where health professionals effectively support and empower women throughout their breastfeeding journey.
To foster optimal health outcomes for mothers and children, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) recommends that women exclusively breastfeed their infants for the initial 6 months. Following this period, it is advised to introduce safe and nutritionally appropriate complementary solid foods while continuing the practice of breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. However, a recent report found that health systems often do not provide adequate breastfeeding protection, promotion and support (Pérez-Escamilla et al, 2023).
There is evidence that highlights the vital role health professionals have in supporting and educating women to initiate and continue breastfeeding (Trivedi, 2018). Women initiating breastfeeding who discuss their concerns with health professionals are more likely to breastfeed for a longer duration compared to those who do not (Baño-Piñero et al, 2018). Similarly, Clark and Price showed that interpersonal relationships with health professionals can facilitate empowerment to overcome breastfeeding challenges (Clark and Price, 2018). However, much of this research is conducted while women want to initiate breastfeeding or are breastfeeding an infant.
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