Exploring exclusive breastfeeding readiness: experiences of first-time mothers in Lusaka, Zambia.

IF 2.1 4区医学 Q2 NURSING

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being Pub Date : 2025-12-01 Epub Date: 2025-02-09 DOI:10.1080/17482631.2025.2463159

Francis Sichimba, Kalunga Cindy Nakazwe, Lena Halawi, Atika Khalaf

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. While many studies have provided insight into exclusive breastfeeding in Zambia, few have looked at the experiences of first-time mothers and exclusive breastfeeding readiness.

Objective: To explore exclusive breastfeeding readiness and experiences of first-time mothers in Zambia.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study employing a phenomenological design was conducted with 17 mothers. Data was collected using a semi-structured face-to-face interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts.

Results: The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: Breastfeeding Readiness-A Multifaceted Approach with four categories: Exclusive Breastfeeding Readiness and Motivation, Support Networks in the Breastfeeding Journey, Navigating the Exclusive Breastfeeding Journey, and Perceived Resources to Support Exclusive Breastfeeding Readiness.

Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is evident that although first-time mothers have knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, mentally and practically, they are not ready to do so successfully. The study recommends improved prenatal and postnatal care provided to new mothers, with a focus on mental health readiness, breastfeeding instruction, and skills development.

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探索纯母乳喂养准备：赞比亚卢萨卡首次母亲的经验。

背景：世界卫生组织建议在婴儿出生后的头六个月纯母乳喂养。虽然许多研究对赞比亚的纯母乳喂养提供了深入的了解，但很少有研究关注首次母亲的经历和纯母乳喂养的准备情况。目的：探讨纯母乳喂养准备和经验的第一次母亲在赞比亚。方法：采用现象学设计对17名母亲进行定性描述研究。使用半结构化面对面访谈指南收集数据。访谈笔录采用专题分析。结果：分析得出了一个总体主题：母乳喂养准备——一个多方面的方法，包括四个类别：纯母乳喂养准备和动机、母乳喂养过程中的支持网络、驾驭纯母乳喂养过程和支持纯母乳喂养准备的感知资源。结论：根据调查结果，很明显，虽然第一次妈妈在精神上和实践上都有纯母乳喂养的知识，但她们并没有做好成功的准备。该研究建议改善向新妈妈提供的产前和产后护理，重点是心理健康准备、母乳喂养指导和技能发展。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being Multiple-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

5.60%

发文量

审稿时长

14 weeks

期刊介绍： International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being acknowledges the international and interdisciplinary nature of health-related issues. It intends to provide a meeting-point for studies using rigorous qualitative methodology of significance for issues related to human health and well-being. The aim of the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being is to support and to shape the emerging field of qualitative studies and to encourage a better understanding of all aspects of human health and well-being.