Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome: A Qualitative Study
Musa Özsavran1, Tülay Kuzlu Ayyıldız2
1Child Development Department, Ahmet Erdogan Vocational School of Health Services, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
It is known that despite the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, children with Down syndrome (DS) are breastfed less than other children are. More information is needed to reveal the problems experienced regarding breastfeeding in this group of children and take precautions. The purpose of this study was to learn about the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of children with DS. The study was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 women who met the inclusion criteria in Turkey between September 1 and December 1, 2023. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. As a result of the content analysis, five themes emerged. These themes were changing of body and emotions, why doesn't my baby suck?, I have to breastfeed my baby, I am not alone, and experiences should be shared. It was determined that mothers of children with DS experienced problems/difficulties due to individual, baby-related, and environmental factors. The positive effects of breastfeeding children with DS can be made prevalent in society by supporting these mothers.
It is known that despite the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, children with Down syndrome (DS) are breastfed less than other children are. More information is needed to reveal the problems experienced regarding breastfeeding in this group of children and take precautions. The purpose of this study was to learn about the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of children with DS. The study was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 women who met the inclusion criteria in Turkey between September 1 and December 1, 2023. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. As a result of the content analysis, five themes emerged. These themes were changing of body and emotions, why doesn't my baby suck?, I have to breastfeed my baby, I am not alone, and experiences should be shared. It was determined that mothers of children with DS experienced problems/difficulties due to individual, baby-related, and environmental factors. The positive effects of breastfeeding children with DS can be made prevalent in society by supporting these mothers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
02:20Longitudinal Research
01:20Attachment