Mothers with tandem breastfeeding experience: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore the experiences of breastfeeding mothers during pregnancy in tandem breastfeeding. This research is a qualitative study conducted using the phenomenological research design. Data saturation was achieved after 11 participants were interviewed. The content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Interview transcriptions were systematically examined, and the study findings were gathered under 4 main themes within the framework of tandem breastfeeding from the perspective of breastfeeding women. These main themes consist of decision to continue tandem breastfeeding, tandem information support/search, maternal experience in tandem breastfeeding, and recommendations for mothers. The participants mostly shared their experiences in the effects of tandem breastfeeding on child health, pregnancy, and breast milk. Both mothers’ own beliefs and feelings and community beliefs affected their decision to continue tandem breastfeeding. Mothers who tandem breastfed in this study need information and support.

KEYWORDS:

• Tandem breastfeeding
• continuing breastfeeding
• tandem nursing
• breast milk

Acknowledgment

We appreciative and thank the women for their contribution as informants to the study, which made this study possible.

Author contributions

Study conception and Design: SG, HDK, TY, RD, and SGur;

Data collection and Deciphered: RD, SGur;

Data analysis and Interpretation: SG, HDK, and TY;

Drafting of the article: TY, HDK, and SG;

Critical revision of the article: HDK, SG, and TY

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sevil Günaydın

Sevil Günaydin is a midwife with a master's degree and Ph.D. in Midwifery. She currently works as a assistant professor at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Midwifery.

Hüsniye Dinç Kaya

Hüsniye Dinç Kaya is a nurse with a master's degree and Ph.D. in Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing. She currently works as an associate professor at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Midwifery.

Tülay Yılmaz

Tülay Yılmaz is a nurse with a master's degree and Ph.D. in Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing. She currently works as an associate professor at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Midwifery.

Rukiye Duman

Rukiye Duman is a midwife. She is MSc student in Midwifery. She currently works as a research assistant at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Midwifery.

Seray Gür

Seray Gür is a midwife. She is MSc student in Midwifery. She currently works as a midwife at Bagcilar Research and Education Hospital.