Abstract
Background
Many women stop breastfeeding earlier than what they intended prior to birth. Although
there are many studies that focus on the factors that influence women’s antenatal
breastfeeding decisions, the factors that influence women’s decisions during the continuum
of antenatal and postnatal period are less known.
Aim
To understand and synthesise the contemporary factors that influence women’s decisions
on infant feeding from the antenatal period and across the breastfeeding continuum.
Method
Five online databases (CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched.
We included original search articles that were published since 2015 to August 2021
and were available in English. The framework of Whittemore and Knafl was used to guide
this integrative literature review. Out of the 872 articles identified, 14 studies
met the inclusion criteria of our study. We used theory of birth territory and midwifery
guardianship to synthesise the interactions between the themes.
Findings
Five main themes were identified: (a) Women’s own views, (b) Family and friend’s preferences and advice, (c) Health professional’s preference, advice and practice, (d) Sociocultural norms, and (e) Media representation. The interaction between the themes was explained based on women’s intrinsic and
extrinsic power outlined in the birth territory and midwifery guardianship theory.
Conclusion
The factors that influence women’s decisions towards infant feeding methods are complex
and multi-dimensional. Promoting and supporting women towards breastfeeding need to
focus on the factors that are tailored for a woman within her social network where
she can feel safe about her breastfeeding decisions.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 18, 2021
Accepted:
October 7,
2021
Received in revised form:
October 7,
2021
Received:
September 16,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
