A qualitative study exploring first time mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding in Singapore

Abstract

Background: The exclusive breastfeeding rate (for the first 6 months of a baby’s life) remained low in Singapore despite active promotion of breastfeeding by government bodies and hospitals. The aim of this study was to explore the breastfeeding experiences of first time mothers and the difficulties they faced during their breastfeeding period. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted. Participants were chosen from a purposive sampling technique and data were collected from 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews. All interviews conducted were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Interview transcriptions were analysed using the qualitative content analysis approach. Results: The breastfeeding period of the 10 first time mothers in this study ranged from 3 days to 10 months, and four participants were still breastfeeding at the time of interview (4–12 months after delivery). The interview transcriptions generated 54 nodes, 12 sub-themes and four key themes. The four key themes identified were: (a) challenges and support for breastfeeding in the initial period after birth; (b) low degree of support for breastfeeding in the workplace; (c) unease at breastfeeding in front of others; and (d) emotional and psychological aspects of breastfeeding. Conclusion: This study provided a better understanding of the breastfeeding experiences of first time mothers in Singapore. Initiating and sustaining breastfeeding is still challenging for first time mothers. Greater public awareness, laws that support breastfeeding in public and the workplace, as well as support of family members could be fundamental to successful breastfeeding.