Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome

Children with Down syndrome are less likely to be breastfed than typically developing children, and breastfeeding has a lower duration compared to recommendations of the World Health Organization. The aim of this study was to understand the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of children with Down syndrome, including their perceptions of the breastfeeding process and their specific practices. This is a qualitative study with 10 participants, mothers of children aged between 2 months and 9 years. Snowball sampling was used for participants' selection, and semi-structured interviews conducted in participants' households. Three categories emerged: "the breastfeeding experience," involving the process of breastfeeding, the breast milk, feelings, and difficulties of this practice; "experiences of health care," encompassing the support received by health professionals, dissatisfaction with health services, lack of support in breastfeeding, and discontent with health professional behavior; and "learning about Down syndrome," with search for information by parents and advice to health professionals. In this study, we found evidence that breastfeeding success relies very much on mothers' willingness and support of health professionals, namely, nurses. Findings from this study suggest that support of a multidisciplinary team is essential to the success of breastfeeding. Greater awareness is needed regarding the unique rewards and challenges of breastfeeding these infants, as well as how families cope with the ongoing challenges. Therefore, this research is relevant to understand the experiences of mothers of children with DS about breastfeeding, identifying the inhibiting factors, in order to create more appropriate strategies to intervene and implement practices that contribute to the support and promotion of breastfeeding. Results will also influence the education of health professionals, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams for a comprehensive care and contributing to increasing evidence available about this topic.