A Qualitative Survey of Mothers' Experiences of Breastfeeding Support at a Family Centre.

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to describe mothers' experiences of breastfeeding support at a family centre.

Design: The study employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive design.

Methods: Mothers enrolled at a family centre in western Sweden who used breastfeeding support based on the World Health Organization's 10 steps, were voluntarily selected to participate. Data were collected by an open-ended questionnaire from May to September 2023 and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results: The results indicated that mothers received support in the form of communication, actions and emotional care at the family centre. Accessible and continuous breastfeeding support was provided, rooted in their experiences during pregnancy and after giving birth. This was achieved through meaningful communication and by gaining knowledge via education with someone attentive to their breastfeeding story. Concrete support was offered, including practical advice and guidance to address breastfeeding challenges. Additionally, the mothers felt respected in their breastfeeding decisions and experienced empathetic, supportive care.

Conclusions: Breastfeeding support and guidance are crucial to assisting mothers and respecting their individual needs. Effective support encompasses communication, actions and emotional care, strengthened by collaboration among actors to ensure accessibility and personalised care. The cooperative approach to breastfeeding at the family centre provides health-promoting and preventive primary care from a family-oriented perspective.

Public contributions: A total of 31 mothers' participated by answering the open-ended questionnaire. Their responses contributed significantly to the content of this study.