Authors
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The positive effect of breastfeeding on health is globally accepted. However,
breastfeeding has not yet practiced at a favorite level. Empowerment of mothers is an important
factor for continuing breastfeeding. This study was conducted to explore women’s perception of
empowerment in breastfeeding.
METHODS: The present qualitative study was conducted in conventional content analysis method.
Thirty‑four semi‑structured deep interviews were conducted with 18 mothers, four key family members,
and 12 other personnel involved in breastfeeding counseling services.
RESULTS: Analysis of participants’ descriptions led to the emergence of five main categories: Enough
knowledge and skill for breastfeeding, feeling adequacy in breastfeeding, overcoming breastfeeding
problems, informed belief in the value of breastfeeding, and perceiving comprehensive support for
breastfeeding.
CONCLUSION: in participants’ point of view, empowerment in breastfeeding can be formed
through an acquisition of “Enough knowledge and skill for breastfeeding” as well as assurance
about the proper quality and quantity of mother’s milk. As well as overcoming breastfeeding
problems will lead to stabilization empowerment in breastfeeding. In addition, data analysis
showed that informed belief in the value of breastfeeding strengthens the empowerment in
breastfeeding and presence of perceived comprehensive support for breastfeeding facilitates
empowerment in breastfeeding continuance. Thus, comprehensive plans should be designing
for promoting breastfeeding.
Keywords
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