Long-term breastfeeding. The secret bond

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Human Lactation Studies

Background:

• Increasing trend of extended breastfeeding duration among mothers.
• Need to understand the psychosocial aspects of breastfeeding beyond infancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feelings, concerns, conflicts, and relationships of mothers breastfeeding for over one year.
• To describe the lived experiences of extended breastfeeding mothers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing semistructured, in-depth interviews.
• Grounded theory methodology for data analysis.
• Study sample comprised 12 mothers with extended breastfeeding duration.

Main Results:

• Identified two key processes: 'synchronization' (mother pacing with child) and 'reorientation' (lifestyle adjustments for child's needs).
• These processes foster a unique maternal-child bond, limiting external interference.
• Phases of synchronization and reorientation were detailed.

Conclusions:

• Extended breastfeeding involves complex maternal adjustments and bonding processes.
• Understanding synchronization and reorientation can inform healthcare providers about mothers' needs and priorities.
• Healthcare professionals can better support mothers engaged in long-term breastfeeding relationships.