Instrumental Support Needs of Breastfeeding Mothers: A Qualitative Study

Background & aim: Breastfeeding is an important strategy to ensure health promotion and wellbeing. Breastfeeding rates have consistently decreased around the world, and therefore protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding is considered as one of the public health priorities. This study aimed to explore breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions and experiences of instrumental support needs. Methods: This study was performed between March ۲۰۱۹ and April ۲۰۲۱, in five health centers and four hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Participants were ۲۳ breastfeeding mothers, two family members, and ۱۱ healthcare providers, who were selected using a purposive sampling and attended in individual semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis based on the Elo and Kyngas approach, with MAXQDA software (version ۲۰۱۰). Results: Five categories of mothers’ instrumental support needs emerged: ‘facilitating maternal roles’, ‘supplying necessary items’, ‘providing welfare services’, ‘cultural services’ and ‘healthcare services’. Conclusion: Breastfeeding mothers need various forms of instrumental support to facilitate and sustain breastfeeding. Significant others, such as the husband, family members, health providers, and broader social and institutional systems play an important role in addressing these needs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breastfeeding Mothers ، Qualitative research ، Social Support ، Instrumental Support Needs