ABSTRACT
Despite the well-documented health benefits of breastfeeding and recommendations by the Department of Health for women to exclusively breastfeed for approximately the first six months of life and continuation beyond one year; a large percentage of South African women do not breastfeed their infants; or only do so for a short period of time. No national South African statistics are available but figures emerging from the attendance of mothers at a baby clinic on the West Rand in Gauteng indicated the following: 64of the mothers breastfeed up to six weeks; after which the figure rapidly declines to less than 20at three months (Truter 2007). Several studies have assessed the attitudes of health care personnel towards breastfeeding; but little is known of the type of information given to breastfeeding mothers by private medical practitioners who are the frontline of contact with clients and who may convey information that either promotes or discourages breastfeeding. The following question was thus formulated: With regard to breastfeeding; what are the constraints to breastfeeding in private practice? Therefore; in order to understand the constraints to breastfeeding; the purpose of this study was to assess the breastfeeding information given to pregnant women by health professionals in private practice. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the breastfeeding recommendations made by private health professionals during pregnancy; to describe the management of breastfeeding in the consulting rooms of private medical practitioners; and to describe women's experiences of breastfeeding in private hospitals. In Phase 1 of the study the population comprised all mothers who attended a support group for new mothers at a private post-natal clinic In Phase 2 the population comprised all mothers who attended a community baby clinic or support group. The sample consisted of all primigravidae who breastfed or attempted to breastfeed in the first six weeks. Purposive convenient sampling; as described by Babbie and Mouton (2002:166); was used in both phases of the study. All participants chose a gynaecologist as the primary care giver and delivered in various private hospitals in Johannesburg. Data were collected by means of an anonymous questionnaire; compiled from national and international literature; as well as personal interviews. Data from the questionnaires were analysed by hand. Descriptive statistics were applied. The interviews were analysed according to the descriptive analysis suggested by Tesch (in Creswell; 1994:155). Themes that emerged were clustered and coded. A co-coder; experienced in the field of qualitative research; assisted with the analysis of the transcripts of the interviews. A literature control was conducted to validate the findings. Ethical considerations were based on the DENOSA Ethical Standards for Nurse Researchers (1998:2.3.2-2.3.4). Themes and sub-themes were identified
Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Hospitals , Mothers , Nurse PractitionersABSTRACT
Knowledge brings with it power; confidence and courage. It is important to prepare for childbirth not only physically; but also emotionally and psychologically. This research tells the story of the childbirth and breastfeeding experiences of the primigravidas who attended childbirth education classes. The objectives of the research were to explore and describe how childbirth education contributed to the birthing and breastfeeding experiences of the primigravidas; and to write guidelines for the childbirth educators to aid them in improving the childbirth education contents. Semi-structured; phenomenological interviews took place with women who met the selection criteria. Permission was obtained from the University of Johannesburg as well as a private hospital in Gauteng and informed consent was obtained from the women volunteering to participate in the research. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using the technique by Tesch (in Creswell; 1994:155-156). The results showed that childbirth education and support reduces fear and helps women to cope better with labour. Lack of all the information leads to unrealistic expectations and may result in negative birthing experiences. Emotional support from the midwife in the hospital is important to the labouring women; therefore; it is important for the childbirth educator to work together with the midwives in the hospital in order to avoid disappointment and unmet expectations. Guidelines were written for childbirth educators; labour ward and maternity staff and midwifery practice