Views of Maternity Nurses Relating to Barriers in Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: Although breastfeeding is common in Turkey, the proportion of breastfed infants in the first hour after birth is not at the desired level. The aim of this study was to explore the difficulties in the early initiation of breastfeeding as encountered by maternity nurses.

Materials and Methods: A phenomenology model of qualitative research design was used in this study. The data were collected by an in-depth interview method. Content analysis was used to analyze the data, and findings were categorized into themes.

Results: Barriers related to the early initiation of breastfeeding was grouped into four main themes: Delivery, culture, hospital environment and health care staff. The delivery mode, pain and the perception of insufficient milk were included in the theme of 'delivery. The theme of 'culture' consisted of traditional practices, patriarchal family structure, and language sub-themes. The theme of 'hospital environment' involved lack of privacy and chaos. Finally understaffing, insufficient knowledge and employee turnover rates were included in the 'health care staff' theme.

Conclusion: Interviews with maternity nurses about barriers to the early initiation of breastfeeding provided deeper understanding into this critical period. These findings suggest that delivery related factors and cultural and environmental elements were obstacles in initiating early breastfeeding. Support and counseling given in the early postpartum period is important for the initiation of breastfeeding. To eliminate the barriers in this process, it is recommended to improve training and health care policy.