Nobody actually tells you: a study of infant feeding
- 1 September 1999
- journal article
- Published by Mark Allen Group in British Journal of Midwifery
- Vol. 7 (9) , 558-565
- https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.1999.7.9.8264
Abstract
This article examines antenatal expectations and postnatal experiences of first-time mothers to provide an insight into postnatal discontent and why so many women change their feeding behaviour in the first few weeks after birth. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted early in pregnancy and 6–10weeks after birth. Twenty-one white, low income women expecting their first baby were interviewed, mostly at home, and often with their partner or relative. Most women felt inadequately prepared for motherhood. Women who felt well prepared and coped best postnatally were those with high levels of exposure to newborn babies and those with constant support from someone with recent mothering experience. A breakdown in women's confidence postnatally seems to be the key motivator for women changing their method of feeding Apprenticeship-style learning of parenting skills improves women's confidence, wellbeing and ability to cope as a new parent. The study concluded that the current approach to preparing and supporting women in childbirth is heavily weighted toward providing women with theoretical knowledge rather than apprenticeship-style learning and support. Changing this balance could impact on many areas of maternal, family and child health as well as infant feeding.Keywords
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