ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the lived experiences of women who initiate breastfeeding but stop within the first 2 weeks after birth. DESIGN: Phenomenology. METHODS: Interviews were recorded on audio tape, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes by an interdisciplinary group of researchers. RESULTS: Women described a clash or incongruity between highly idealized expectations and early breastfeeding problems. This led to incremental disillusionment and cessation of breastfeeding attempts. Women spoke poignantly about a sense of failure, guilt, or shame and had lingering self-doubts about not continuing with breastfeeding. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Women need more accurate information about the process of initiating breastfeeding. Nurses should avoid teaching breastfeeding practices that can confuse infants and sabotage mothers and should work toward providing sensitive care that respects personal boundaries of mothers. Additionally, provisions need to be made for continued support and consultation after the mother's discharge from the hospital or birthing center. Finally, nurses and other health professionals should understand that women who stop breastfeeding at an early date may feel guilty about doing so, and may need assistance in resolving feelings about having made that choice.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Attitude to Health , Breast Feeding/psychology , Mothers/psychology , Adult , Breast Feeding/adverse effects , Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data , Conflict, Psychological , Female , Humans , Maternal-Child Nursing/methods , Models, Psychological , Mothers/education , Nursing Methodology Research , Patient Education as Topic , Postnatal Care/methods , Postnatal Care/psychology , Self Concept , Shame , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time FactorsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To derive a deeper understanding of postpartum depression (PPD) and its impact on the family through the experiences of fathers whose spouses suffered from this disorder. DESIGN: Phenomenology. METHODS: Eight men were interviewed. Interviews were recorded on audio tape and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis conducted within an interdisciplinary phenomenological research group led to a description of the experiences and emotions involved. RESULTS: Respondents in this study revealed a major disruption in their lives and in their relationship with their wives as a result of PPD. The men experienced fear, confusion, and much concern for their spouses, and felt unable to help them in overcoming PPD. The inability to "fix the problem" created frustration and anger. The majority of the respondents reported that they made many sacrifices to hold the relationship and the family together. Even though the PPD improved over time, fathers were left to face an uncertain future with a spouse who seemed to be very different from the person they had previously known. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals need to design interventions that are more supportive of men, for men also suffer when their spouses experience PPD.
