What influences women to continue or stop breastfeeding? A thematic analysis

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p> The UK figures suggest that rates of breastfeeding are low compared to other countries. While initial breastfeeding rates have increased, figures are still low for those continuing to breastfeed at 6 months. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Aims</jats:title><jats:p> To understand the experiences of breastfeeding women and what affects their ability to continue breastfeeding. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p> A total of 41 women aged 18-45 years who had attempted to breastfeed between 2011 and 2016 took part in semi-structured interviews, analysed using a thematic approach. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Findings</jats:title><jats:p> Four main themes were identified: attachment, provision of information and support, sociocultural pressures and maternal role. The study found that women reported more positive attachment to their infant when breastfeeding. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p> While women were often highly motivated to breastfeed, they often did not receive sufficient information and support, often leading to early cessation. Women highlighted the societal pressures to breastfeed and how this was incorporated into the perception of what it was to be a ‘mother’. </jats:p></jats:sec>