Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Human Rights/trends , Milk, Human/chemistry , Opiate Substitution Treatment/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Mothers/psychology , Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods , Social Justice , Substance-Related Disorders/drug therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Several professional health organizations have made statements endorsing the safety of breastfeeding for women taking medication-assisted treatment for an opioid use disorder. Yet, breastfeeding initiation rates for this population are approximately 50% lower than the general United States' population. Furthermore, little is known about what influences the infant-feeding decisions of these women. Research aim: This study aimed to describe what influences the infant-feeding decisions of women taking medication-assisted treatment for an opioid use disorder. METHODS: Qualitative description was used. We conducted semistructured, individual interviews with mothers ( N = 8) who were receiving medication-assisted treatment during the postpartum period. We analyzed our data using thematic analysis. RESULTS: We identified two themes: (a) what I heard about breastfeeding, and (b) doing what I feel is best for my baby. What I heard about breastfeeding reflects the information and misinformation that women received about breastfeeding. Doing what I feel is best for my baby describes the inner conflict that the women experienced. Most of the women in this study desired to breastfeed; however, all women reported that the social stigma surrounding methadone use strongly influenced their infant-feeding decision. CONCLUSION: This study sheds new light on what influences the infant-feeding decisions of women taking medication-assisted treatment and represents an initial step toward the development of targeted interventions to improve breastfeeding rates for this unique population.
Subject(s)
Decision Making , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Mothers/psychology , Opiate Substitution Treatment/psychology , Adult , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Breast Feeding/methods , Breast Feeding/psychology , Female , Focus Groups/methods , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Methadone/therapeutic use , Mothers/statistics & numerical data , Opiate Substitution Treatment/adverse effects , Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods , Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy , Opioid-Related Disorders/psychology , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the mothering experiences of women with substance use disorders. We conducted semistructured, individual interviews with 15 mothers. Using thematic analysis, 5 themes were identified: (1) facing the reality of a pregnancy complicated by substance use, trauma, and loss, (2) finding a higher meaning, (3) dealing with the consequences, (4) managing the details of daily life, and (5) looking toward a future with my children. Moreover, the women described entering motherhood with uncertainty, fear, shame, and stress. We hope that these findings will lead to more compassionate nursing care for this population.
