Dataset Information

Breastfeeding and caring for children: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breastfeeding and caring for children demand time, energy and effort. Mothers with physical impairments in Ghana require special needs to be able to achieve optimal motherhood as society demands. Globally, literature on breastfeeding and caring for children among mothers with physical disabilities is limited. Similarly, there is dearth of literature on the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to add to literature by exploring the experiences of mothers with physical impairments with regards to breastfeeding and how they care for their children.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive exploratory design was used. Twelve mothers with physical impairments who had been purposively sampled gave informed consent before data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews. Data was recorded, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the content analysis technique.

Results

Mothers with physical impairments perceived breastfeeding as difficult and expensive due to issues relating to disruption of sleep, dysfunctional limbs and the need for breastfeeding mothers to eat nutritionally balanced meals. Participants felt prejudged and discriminated at different points in their daily encounters.

Conclusion

Mothers with physical impairments have challenges. Therefore, attitudinal change should be advocated in the Ghanaian society with respect to issues concerning people living with disabilities.

SUBMITTER: Acheampong AK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7260762 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Breastfeeding and caring for children: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana.

Acheampong Angela Kwartemaa AK Aziato Lydia L Marfo Margaret M Amevor Philomena P

BMC pregnancy and childbirth 20200529 1

<h4>Background</h4>Breastfeeding and caring for children demand time, energy and effort. Mothers with physical impairments in Ghana require special needs to be able to achieve optimal motherhood as society demands. Globally, literature on breastfeeding and caring for children among mothers with physical disabilities is limited. Similarly, there is dearth of literature on the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to add to literature by exploring ...[more]

PMID: 32471372

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Project description:OBJECTIVES:To explore women's experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy (>1?year). Understanding these experiences, including the motivators, enablers and barriers faced, may help inform future strategies to support and facilitate mothers to breastfeed for an optimal duration. DESIGN:An exploratory qualitative study using an interpretive approach. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted (in person, via phone or Skype), transcribed and thematically analysed using the framework method. SETTING:Participants drawn from across the UK through online breastfeeding support groups. PARTICIPANTS:Maximum variation sample of women currently breastfeeding a child older than 1?year, or who had done so in the previous 5?years. Participants were included if over 18, able to speak English at conversational level and resident in the UK. RESULTS:The findings offer insights into the challenges faced by women breastfeeding older children, including perceived social and cultural barriers. Three core themes were interpreted: (1) parenting philosophy; (2) breastfeeding beliefs; (3) transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Women had not intended to breastfeed beyond infancy prior to delivery, but developed a 'child-led' approach to parenting and internalised strong beliefs that breastfeeding is the biological norm. Women perceived a negative shift in approval for continued breastfeeding as their child transitioned from 'baby' to 'toddler'. This compelled woman to conceal breastfeeding and fostered a reluctance to seek advice from healthcare professionals. Mothers reported feeling pressured to breastfeed when their babies were young, but discouraged as children grew. They identified best with the term 'natural-term breastfeeding'. CONCLUSIONS:This study suggests that providing antenatal education regarding biological weaning ages and promotion of guidelines for optimum breastfeeding duration may encourage more women to breastfeed for longer. Promoting the concept of natural-term breastfeeding to mothers, and healthcare professionals, employers and the public is necessary to normalise and encourage acceptance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.

Project description:Background Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF), for the first 6 months of life, is globally accepted as the preferred method for infant feeding. In Ghana, an estimated 84% of children <?2?months old are exclusively breastfed. But by age 4 to 5?months, only 49% continue to receive EBF. This situation continues to deteriorate. Thus, the need to explore perceptions, practices as well as factors that influence EBF in Ghana. Methods Using a qualitative design, four focus group discussions were conducted among first-time mothers and eight in-depth interviews with health workers and traditional birth attendants. The study was conducted in four communities in the Kassena-Nankana municipality of Ghana. Discussions and interviews were recorded and later transcribed verbatim to English language. The transcribed data was then coded with the aid of analysis computer software (Nvivo version 10.0) and later analyzed for the generation of themes. Results Exclusive breastfeeding is practiced among first-time mothers due to its perceived benefits; which include nutritional advantage, ability to enhance growth whilst boosting immunity and its economic value. However misconceptions as well as, certain cultural practices (e.g. giving herbal concoctions, breastmilk purification rites), and relational influences, may threaten a mother’s intention to exclusively breastfeed. Relational influences are mainly from mother in-laws, traditional birth attendants, grandmothers, herbalists and other older adults in the community. Conclusions Although first time mothers attempt EBF, external influences make it practically challenging. The availability and utilization of information on EBF was found to positively influence perceptions towards EBF, leading to change in attitude towards the act. Thus, the practice of community-based health services may be strengthened to provide support for first-time mothers as well as continuous education to the mother in laws, female elders and community leaders who influence decision making on breastfeeding of infants.

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Dataset Information

Breastfeeding and caring for children: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Breastfeeding and caring for children: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of mothers with physical impairments in Ghana.

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