The private journey : An interpretative phenomenological analysis of exclusive breastfeeding

Journal article

Charlick, Samantha J., McKellar, Lois, Gordon, Andrea L. and Pincombe, Jan. (2019). The private journey : An interpretative phenomenological analysis of exclusive breastfeeding. Women and Birth. 32(1), pp. e34-e42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2018.03.003

Publication dates
Authors	Charlick, Samantha J., McKellar, Lois, Gordon, Andrea L. and Pincombe, Jan
Abstract	Background Exclusive breast milk provides complete nutrition for a baby’s first six months of life. In Australia, breastfeeding initiation rates are high, however duration rates are low. Although numerous studies have explored the reasons behind low levels of breastfeeding, few have examined the experiences of women who maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six-month duration. Aim This paper will present an in-depth, idiographic interpretation of first-time mothers’ experience of exclusive breastfeeding for six months in Australia. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore how five new mothers understood their six-month exclusive breastfeeding journey. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted retrospectively, transcribed in full, and analysed using the flexible seven-step approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Three higher-order themes were identified: (1) exclusive breastfeeding is a personal choice, (2) exclusive breastfeeding is harder than expected, and (3) everyone has something to say about breastfeeding. Conclusion The mothers were not prepared for public debates around infant feeding methods, where mothers judge each other and give advice that supports their own goals, both of which create an unnecessary divide between mothers. Despite these issues, the findings highlight the personal and social meanings aligned with exclusive breastfeeding and point to the significance in fostering determination as a means to achieve exclusive breastfeeding goals. This qualitative reflection contributes a nuanced understanding of mothers’ lived experience of exclusive breastfeeding, deepening our understanding and enabling appropriate strategies and support for the longevity of exclusive breastfeeding, as well as direction for continued research.
Keywords	exclusive breastfeeding; women’s experiences; breastfeeding duration; determination; interpretative phenomenological analysis
Year	2019
Journal	Women and Birth
Journal citation	32 (1), pp. e34-e42
Publisher	Elsevier Ltd
ISSN	1871-5192
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2018.03.003
PubMed ID	29656051
Scopus EID	2-s2.0-85045203705
Page range	e34-e42
Publisher's version	License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled
Output status	Published
Online	14 Jan 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted	15 Mar 2018
Deposited	27 May 2025
Additional information	© 2018 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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