Women's experiences of managing mastitis

The first paper in this series (last month), discussed study methodology and the measurement of the incidence of mastitis, which was shown to peak at four and 12 weeks. It concluded that the reporting pattern by women experiencing mastitis affects the measurement of reported incidence. This paper presents the qualitative data generated through interviews with 56 women. It analyses their theories of causation that may account for the two peaks in incidence. Factors most likely to contribute to the risk of developing mastitis were identified by women as incorrect positioning and incomplete emptying. Expressing by hand or pump, and hurried or infrequent feeding patterns, were also thought to be practices associated with mastitis. They considered that these practices were associated with social pressures such as the care of older children. The study concluded that respondents' theories about causation illustrate the interactive nature of anatomical, physiological, pathological and social risk factors. The two peaks in incidence occur at times when the intensity of this interaction increases. Existing research findings support these theories and present opportunities to change and develop professional practice.