Perceived Breastfeeding Support during Hospitalization : A qualitative analysis of mothers' blogs

Abstract: It has been well established that breastfeeding provides the best type of nutrition, strengthens the bond between a baby and his mother, and has both physiological and psychological benefits. However, when breastfeeding is causing difficulties, it can negatively impact the mothers’ well-being and even result in depression. When a baby or its mother is hospitalized, breastfeeding issues can arise. The support and help mothers receive during hospitalization is often seen as insufficient or even incorrect. This can cause breastfeeding disruptions and discontinuation, which in turn can cause a prolonged hospital stay and suffering of care. The goal of this thesis is therefore to describe mothers perceived breastfeeding support by the nurses that cared for them. We have made a qualitative content analysis of 15 blogs about breastfeeding for this empiric qualitative study. The blogs were published between 2009-2018, 11 blogs were from England and four were from Sweden. The results were presented in three different themes: strengthening support, feeling reduced, and being dependent on the health professionals’ knowledge and competence.  The results show that breastfeeding support is perceived as strengthening and meaningful when adapted to the individual’s needs. However, mothers experience suffering related to care when they feel confused, powerless, and unseen. In the discussion we show how health care personals information and support influences the mothers breastfeeding experiences.