Daily routines of breastfeeding mothers

Increasing research suggests breastfeeding has many benfeits to mothers and children, yet breastfeeding duration rates remain well below Healthy People 2020 objectives. In order to increase breastfeeding rates, the complex role change in becoming a breastfeeding mother deserves closer examination.

This pilot study sought to explore the daily routines and supports experienced by primiparous breastfeeding mothers with the objective of using this information to design interventions to promote breastfeeding duration.

Surveys were conducted at 2-3, 6-8, and 10-12 weeks postpartum. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Eleven primiparous mothers.

None of the eleven mothers interviewed at 2-3 week had a daily routine; 5 out of 9 mothers described a 'hint of a routine' at 6-8 weeks, and 6 out of 7 mothers described an 'emerging routine' at 10-12 weeks. Despite wanting more support and better preparation, most mothers succeeded with exclusive breastfeeding for the 12-week period.

These findings were viewed through the lens of non-linear dynamics and transition theory. Implications for occupational therapy and occupational science were discussed.