When baby's chronic illness and disability interfere with breastfeeding: women's emotional adjustment

Abstract

Objectives: to explore the emotional adjustments that women make when their baby's chronic illness or disability threatens breastfeeding.

Methods: qualitative descriptive study and exploratory secondary analysis of narratives from five breastfeeding women in the UK whose babies experienced a chronic condition.

Findings: three key themes were discerned: (1) 'Overwhelmed'--feelings of shock and helplessness. Engagement in the practical issues of breastfeeding, relying on others and receiving emotional support from them helped. (2) 'Under acknowledged'--women spoke of not being listened to or taken seriously. Focus on the medical condition de-valued the contribution of breastfeeding. (3) 'Striving for normality'--reframing the situation and readjusting goals and expectations helped adjustment to a 'normal' life.

Discussion: varying levels of emotional adjustment were experienced by the women, and a process or path reflected their efforts to cope. Adjustments are discussed in terms of practical issues of coping and biographical disruption, thereby raising awareness of challenging aspects. Breastfeeding provided a sense of control and purpose. Understanding issues around breastfeeding an ill or disabled child can help health-care providers offer more appropriate care to women who wish to breast feed in spite of chronic illness.