Breastfeeding Challenges Experienced by Mothers Following Multiple Births-a Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed-Methods Studies.

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is vital for infant nutrition, especially for multiple babies (twins) born prematurely, yet breastfeeding rates among mothers of twins are lower compared with mothers of singleton babies. This review presents a synthesis of research findings on breastfeeding challenges experienced by mothers following twins' births. Methods: The electronic databases of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science were systematically searched in August 2023. All eligible quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies reported on breastfeeding challenges experienced by mothers of twins were included. The review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and followed Lucas et al.'s framework for thematic synthesis. Two reviewers independently screened all studies by title, abstract, and full text. The methodological quality of studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool and mixed-methods appraisal tool based on study design. Results: The review included 16 studies: quantitative (n = 5), qualitative (n = 8), and mixed methods (n = 3), published between 1980 and 2022, involving 3,351 mothers from 16 countries. Three main themes were generated as follows: (1) transitioning to a new role, finding the balance between self and the newborns' needs; (2) the inevitability of emotional challenges; and (3) navigating support and information. Conclusion: The integrated findings of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies on challenges experienced by mothers of twins will have scope for researchers to address the challenges through tailored intervention, education, and support and can help health care professionals revisit policy and practices to extend support services for mothers of twins beyond the initial postpartum and to the community for improving breastfeeding practices among mothers following multiple births.