Engaging mothers: Breastfeeding experiences recounted (EMBER). A pilot study

There is an abundance of published literature that describes the short- and long-term effects of breastfeeding for both the infant and mother. Despite the majority of women having good intentions to breastfeed, challenges that they encounter place their breastfeeding journey in jeopardy. Improving breastfeeding rates and durations is a significant public health priority at a local, national and international level.

This pilot study aimed to identify and describe participating women's breastfeeding experiences in order to better understand why some achieve their breastfeeding goals, despite experiencing challenge and others do not.

A qualitative methodology was chosen to allow these mothers to have their voices heard. Twenty Australian Breastfeeding Association trainee counsellors, who were undertaking the Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education, gave permission for the examination and analysis of their de-identified reflections on their own breastfeeding experiences. Data was examined and thematically analysed into identified themes.

Participants' breastfeeding experiences were identified into six themes: 1. expectation of breastfeeding, 2. motivation to breastfeed, 3. support to maintain breastfeeding, 4. returning to work, 5. the experience of breastfeeding and 6. social attitude to public breastfeeding. The responses and experiences were varied, with each woman describing a particular event that had a significant impact on her breastfeeding journey.

It is not completely understood why some mothers continue with their breastfeeding journey, whilst others discontinue earlier than they had planned. Women in this pilot study reported that support, acceptability of breastfeeding to their family and social circle, public breastfeeding, issues around infant sleep and maternal fatigue were all significant issues for them as they navigated breastfeeding for the first time.

Findings from this pilot study will be used to inform the development of a larger study which will further explore women's decision making, as well as identify what supports are needed to improve women's experience of breastfeeding.