Abstract
Problem
Limited literature is available about women who wish to breastfeed but experience
unexpected feelings of aversion in reaction to their infant suckling at the breast
while breastfeeding.
Background
Breastfeeding benefits mothers, infants and society yet breastfeeding rates continue
to fall below recommendations in part due to inadequate tailored support after hospital
discharge. Influences on breastfeeding are complex and include many physiological,
psychosocial and cultural factors.
Aim
To better understand the experience of women who have feelings of aversion during
breastfeeding by synthesising the existing literature.
Methods
MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care databases were searched for relevant
literature published between 2000 to 2019. Using Covidence software, five qualitative
research studies were identified. Studies were then analysed using meta-ethnographic
qualitative synthesis.
Findings
Feelings of aversion during breastfeeding were described as visceral and overwhelming;
leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy. This synthesis identified five findings;
a central conceptual category of “it’s such a strong feeling of get away from me”
with four key metaphors translated from this central conceptual category: “I do it
because I feel it is best for my baby”, “I can’t control those feelings”, “I should
be able to breastfeed my son and enjoy it”, and “I’m glad I did it”. This phenomenon
may negatively affect a women’s sense of self and impact on the mother-infant relationship.
Conclusion
Some women who want to breastfeed can experience feelings of aversion while breastfeeding.
The feelings of ‘aversion’ while breastfeeding can inhibit women from achieving their
personal breastfeeding goals.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 20, 2020
Accepted:
February 13,
2020
Received in revised form:
February 4,
2020
Received:
November 11,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
