Incompatible Expectations: The Dilemma of Breastfeeding Mothers

Authors

Yvonne Hauck, Edith Cowan University
Vera Irurita

Document Type

Journal Article

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Nursing and Public Health

RAS ID

2399

Comments

Hauck, Y., & Irurita, V. (2003). Incompatible expectations: the dilemma of breastfeeding mothers. Health Care for Women International, 24(1), 62-78. Available here

Abstract

The maternal process of managing established breastfeeding and, ultimately, weaning the child from the breast was explored using the grounded theory method. Data were analyzed from interview transcripts from mothers, field notes, postal questionnaires from fathers, and individual and discussion group interviews with child health nurses within a Western Australian context. A common social problem emerged for women in the management of their breastfeeding when personal expectations were found to oppose the expectations of others. Being confronted with these incompatible expectations resulted in confusion, self-doubt, and guilt for mothers. These findings are discussed to assist health professionals support breastfeeding mothers.

DOI

10.1080/07399330390170024