Maternal Guilt & Shame Experience: An Exploratory study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feelings Experienced Within An Infant Feeding Context: An Exploratory Study With Mothers and Midwives
IRAS ID
249449
Contact name
Leonardo De Pascalis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Guilt and shame are commonly experienced among those who stop breastfeeding early (e.g. Hvatum & Glavin, 2016). 67% of formula feeding mothers experience guilt (Fallon, Komninou, Bennett, & Halford, 2016), with healthcare professionals (HCP) being identified as a key external driver of guilt. Perceived quality of care from HCPs influences maternal emotions, with poor communication leading to feelings of inadequacy (Fallon, Harrold, & Chisholm, 2018). When mothers perceived public health nurses to be helpful and understanding, shame experience was reduced (Hvatum & Glavin, 2016), suggesting that perceived support is important in determining maternal emotional outcomes. Breastfeeding promotion interventions such as the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI. UNICEF, 2017) are standards set in attempt to create a supportive and well-informed environment in which women are able to make a good start to breastfeeding. Since BFI implementation, breastfeeding initiation has increased by 20% (UNICEF, 2017). The Royal College of Midwives (RCM. Royal College of Midwives, 2018) infant feeding position statement states that greater access to evidence-based information on breastfeeding alternatives needs to be supplied to mothers who express a desire to formula feed. However, perceptions of this statement have yet to be explored among midwives. By better understanding the importance of emotional experiences and the impact of professional support in pregnancy and after birth, it may be easier to identify risk factors for poor mental wellbeing and infant feeding outcomes at an earlier stage. Earlier and more accurate identification of risk factors could help improve the support women receive, to maintain positive mental wellbeing and a positive infant feeding experience. Findings from the current study also have the potential to inform the effectiveness of various infant feeding policies, which may contribute to the improvement of midwifery practice in the UK.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0592
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion