PLOS ONE · 10 authors, 3 centres
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A cross-sectional survey of 5,412 women in Ireland analyzed qualitative responses about postnatal breastfeeding support. The study found that support was often inaccessible, inadequate, or physically inappropriate, with women describing a gap between the promotion of breastfeeding and the provision of practical, tailored help.
The study analyzed open-ended responses from 2,264 women to a cross-sectional survey conducted in Ireland in 2022. Using thematic analysis, researchers identified two main themes regarding experiences of breastfeeding support in the maternity unit. The first theme highlighted that while breastfeeding was promoted, challenges were not discussed, leaving women feeling unsupported. The second theme detailed that supports were often inaccessible due to staff shortages, inadequate, non-specific, rushed, or physically inappropriate. Key findings included a lack of time, trained staff, and tangible resources, which participants recognized as systemic failings. The study is limited by potential selection bias from online recruitment, recall bias, and the specific context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors conclude that timely, individualized, and practical support, along with increased staffing and policy implementation, is needed to improve breastfeeding experiences.
