Pediatricians' experiences of working with breastfeeding: An interview study

The aim of the study was to investigate pediatricians' experiences of working with breastfeeding.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 pediatricians working at hospitals in Stockholm County. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis and an inductive approach.

All pediatricians saw their role in working with breastfeeding as an important one, but their primary role as pediatricians was to ensure that infants received good nutrition. They delegated the practical aspects of breastfeeding to midwives, who were seen as experts, although the pediatricians believed they had a greater understanding of the necessity for supplemental feeding than did midwives. They also expressed the need for a common strategy regarding supplemental feeding and better teamwork with the midwives. Some respondents noted that it was difficult to advocate for breastfeeding without seeming critical of mothers who experienced problems with it or who did not want to do it. The results comprised a general theme, that breastfeeding is a genuine and difficult task, and five categories: factors decreasing breastfeeding, competence, roles of the professionals, supplemental feeding, the health-care system's responsibility.

Pediatricians have an interest in breastfeeding. However, they perceive inadequate communication with midwives and a need for better collaboration with them regarding breastfeeding. The study also identified a need for a national breastfeeding strategy and for improved conditions that create a breastfeeding-friendly environment.