Experience of non-breastfeeding mothers: Norms and ethically responsible risk communication
Abstract
Background:
Breastfeeding is currently strongly recommended by midwives and paediatricians, and the recommendations are based on documents provided by the World Health Organization and public health authorities worldwide.
Research question:
The underlying question is, how are non-breastfeeding mothers affected emotionally when informed that breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest option?
Research design:
The method used is an anonymous web-based qualitative survey exploring the narratives of non-breastfeeding mothers, published on Thesistools.com. The aim is to achieve qualitative knowledge about the emotions of non-breastfeeding mothers.
Participants and research context:
Participants were based in Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and were selected through a purposeful sample.
Ethical considerations:
The online survey anonymizes responses automatically, and all respondents had to tick a box agreeing to be quoted anonymously in scientific articles. The study conforms to research ethics guidelines.
Findings:
Respondents describe how they were affected, and the following themes emerged in studying their descriptions: depression, anxiety and pain, feeling failed as a mother and woman, loss of freedom/feeling trapped, relief and guilt.
Discussion:
The themes are discussed against the background of the ethics of care and a theory of ethically responsible risk communication.
Conclusion:
Three conclusions are made. First, the message should become more empathetic. Second, information should be given in an attentive dialogue. Third, information providers should evaluate effects in a more inclusive way.
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Article first published online: December 22, 2014
Issue published: March 2016
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Published online: December 22, 2014
Issue published: March 2016
PubMed: 25533621
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