Kvalitativna analiza iskustava dojenja prvorotkinja u Hrvatskoj
Year: 2026
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to explore the breastfeeding experiences of ten first-time mothers in Croatia, with particular emphasis on identifying barriers to the successful initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through non-directive, in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis with the support of QualCoder software. Results: Thematic analysis identified six overarching themes: mothers' decisions to breastfeed; coping with physical pain associated with childbirth and the establishment of breastfeeding; intense and emotionally exhausting concern for the infant's health and development; managing social expectations and self-imposed high standards; experiences of formal and informal sources of breastfeeding support; and an inductively derived evaluation of the healthcare system. The final theme emerged inductively and had not been included in the original interview guide. The findings illustrate the profound transition women experience following childbirth across physical, psychological, professional, family and social domains, accompanied by a substantial shift in personal priorities and an increased reliance on the healthcare system. Discussion: Most participants described the transition from being independent women with established social and professional roles to becoming sleep-deprived mothers, largely confined to the home and unable to achieve goals they had previously accomplished with ease, as highly stressful. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals' ability to recognise and respond appropriately to the specific needs of mothers and infants may be an important prerequisite for extending the Rodilišta – prijatelji majki i djece ("Mother- and Child-Friendly Maternity Care") initiative beyond maternity units into community-based healthcare services providing post-discharge care. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for additional education and training of healthcare professionals to complement biomedical care with greater attention to maternal mental and emotional well-being. Such a holistic approach during the early postpartum period may contribute to improved long-term health and developmental outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Source: Paediatria Croatica
DOI: 10.13112/pc.1268
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220996830