Jodie Bigalky1, Marie Dietrich Leurer2, Janet McCabe3, April Mackey2, Dana Laczko4, Virginia Deobald2. 1. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus, #100 4400-4th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 0H8, Canada. jodie.bigalky@usask.ca. 2. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus, #100 4400-4th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 0H8, Canada. 3. Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada. 4. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Human milk expression has become an increasingly common means for providing milk to an infant, with women expressing to address breastfeeding problems or to allow for flexible feeding options. This study explored the experiences and recommendations of mothers who expressed human milk, with this paper reporting on the advice mothers would offer to other mothers to address common challenges. METHODS: Interpretive description was used in this qualitative project. Using purposive sampling, mothers of infants aged 0-24 months who expressed human milk were recruited to participate from two health regions in western Canada. Individual, audio-taped interviews were completed with 35 women. NVIVO™ software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Mothers reported the desire to offer experiential advice to other mothers navigating milk expression and encouraged other mothers to seek guidance from health care professionals such as lactation consultants, peer support online, and from family and friends. Experiential knowledge shared included: (a) product recommendations, (b) expression tips, (c) support for workplace expression, (d) encouragement to seek help, and (e) moral support. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should include evidence-based expression information as part of routine lactation support, while recognizing the importance of mother-to-mother knowledge transfer and emotional support. Services that assist mothers to determine and access pumps appropriate to their unique breastfeeding needs and goals should be offered, and the opportunity for peer support through creation of, or referral to, appropriate in-person or online support groups should be made available.
OBJECTIVES: Human milk expression has become an increasingly common means for providing milk to an infant, with women expressing to address breastfeeding problems or to allow for flexible feeding options. This study explored the experiences and recommendations of mothers who expressed human milk, with this paper reporting on the advice mothers would offer to other mothers to address common challenges. METHODS: Interpretive description was used in this qualitative project. Using purposive sampling, mothers of infants aged 0-24 months who expressed human milk were recruited to participate from two health regions in western Canada. Individual, audio-taped interviews were completed with 35 women. NVIVO™ software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Mothers reported the desire to offer experiential advice to other mothers navigating milk expression and encouraged other mothers to seek guidance from health care professionals such as lactation consultants, peer support online, and from family and friends. Experiential knowledge shared included: (a) product recommendations, (b) expression tips, (c) support for workplace expression, (d) encouragement to seek help, and (e) moral support. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should include evidence-based expression information as part of routine lactation support, while recognizing the importance of mother-to-mother knowledge transfer and emotional support. Services that assist mothers to determine and access pumps appropriate to their unique breastfeeding needs and goals should be offered, and the opportunity for peer support through creation of, or referral to, appropriate in-person or online support groups should be made available.
Authors: Valerie J Flaherman; Katherine G Hicks; Justine Huynh; Michael D Cabana; Kathryn A Lee Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2014-08-19 Impact factor: 3.092
Authors: Marie Dietrich Leurer; Janet McCabe; Jodie Bigalky; April Mackey; Dana Laczko; Virginia Deobald Journal: J Hum Lact Date: 2019-11-11 Impact factor: 2.219