Constructing Compatibility: Managing breastfeeding and Weaning from the Mother's Perspective

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

521

Comments

Hauck, Y. L., & Irurita, V. F. (2002). Constructing compatibility: managing breast-feeding and weaning from the mother’s perspective. Qualitative Health Research, 12(7), 897-914. Available here

Abstract

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to analyze the maternal process of managing the later stages of established breast-feeding and, ultimately, weaning the child from the breast within a Western Australian context. Data were analyzed from 33 participants’ interview transcripts, field notes, 9 postal questionnaires from fathers, and individual and discussion group interviews with child health nurses. A common social problem of incompatible expectations was revealed. All participants faced a dilemma in the management of their experience when personal expectations were in opposition to others’ expectations. A process of Constructing Compatibility by Adapting Focus was adopted to compensate for this incompatibility.

DOI

10.1177/104973202129120340