Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: It is known that despite the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, children with Down syndrome (DS) are breastfed less than other children are. More information is needed to reveal the problems experienced regarding breastfeeding in this group of children and take precautions. The purpose of this study was to learn about the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of children with DS. Methods: The study was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 women who met the inclusion criteria in Turkey between September 1 and December 1, 2023. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: As a result of the content analysis, five themes emerged. These themes were changing of body and emotions, why doesn’t my baby suck?, I have to breastfeed my baby, I am not alone, and experiences should be shared. Conclusions: It was determined that mothers of children with DS experienced problems/difficulties due to individual, baby-related, and environmental factors. The positive effects of breastfeeding children with DS can be made prevalent in society by supporting these mothers.
Source: Breastfeeding Medicine
Authors: Musa Özsavran, Tülay Kuzlu Ayyıldız
Institution: Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4403952636