Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Midwifery
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
First Supervisor
Annemarie de Leo
Second Supervisor
Deborah Ireson
Third Supervisor
Gemma Doleman
Abstract
Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are well established for infants, mothers and the community, with the World Health Organisation recommending that infants be exclusively breastfed up to six months of age with an achievable goal of 70% globally. Yet in Australia only 15-37% may be reaching that goal. There have also been reported benefits and desires for mothers to be supported with their breastfeeding in order to increase and prolong breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, especially early after birth. However, there is limited research or literature exploring what experiences mothers are having with breastfeeding support, especially during their hospital admissions in Western Australia.
Aim: This mixed methods study sought to explore the experiences of mothers in Western Australia, and to answer the questions – what experiences are mothers having, regarding breastfeeding support, in hospital after birth; what sort of support/education do mothers want while they are in hospital, in relation to breastfeeding; and are postnatal mothers provided with sufficient information to sustain successful breastfeeding once discharged?
Design: A convergent mixed methods survey was created with demographic questions, previously validated quantitative tools and other quantitative questions were taken from previous literature on breastfeeding support. Open-ended qualitative questions were designed to give respondents a chance to elaborate on their answers and experiences. This survey was shared via social media between the 7th March and 30th June 2022. Participants had given birth to healthy, term infants in Western Australian hospitals, were no more than 16 weeks post birth, and spent no more than 3 nights in hospital after birth.
Results: A total of 102 survey responses met the inclusion criteria. The results of the study were grouped into three timeframes based on mothers’ experiences of support – Initiating breastfeeding (the first breastfeeding experience after birth), establishing breastfeeding during the hospital stay, and preparing for discharge. While 75% of the respondents indicated that midwives were supportive of breastfeeding overall, they faced lack of time with breastfeeding-experienced midwives, inconsistent and incorrect information, and a lack of practical guidance on latching and recognising hunger cues. Only 55% of mothers and babies had the recommended minimum of one hour skin-to-skin after birth and 23.5% of the total babies were supplemented with formula during their hospital stay. Only 30% of mothers indicated they received information on recognising hunger cues and just over 36% of women indicated that they were given enough information for discharge. Overall, many mothers may be missing out on crucial steps that have been linked to breastfeeding success and many felt the support was not enough to prepare them for discharge and required extra assistance with breastfeeding once home.
Conclusion: Most mothers understand the benefits of breastfeeding and want to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding starts immediately after birth, with most West Australian mothers giving birth in hospital and being support by midwives. It is important for mothers to be supported to initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth and continue to be supported with their breastfeeding during their postnatal hospital admission. More time with breastfeeding experienced midwives or others employed solely to give up to date and consistent breastfeeding support and education may be needed.
DOI
10.25958/zbjq-bd20
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 2 May 2026
Recommended Citation
van der Watt, J. (2024). Western Australian mothers' experiences of breastfeeding support in hospital after birth: A mixed methods study. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/zbjq-bd20