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Winging it: maternal perspectives and experiences of breastfeeding newborns with complex congenital surgical anomalies

Abstract

Objective

To describe the experience of breastfeeding (inclusive of breast milk expression/pumping, provision of breast milk via devices, and at-breastfeeding) among mothers of newborns with complex congenital surgical anomalies and the contexts under which pro-breastfeeding behaviors and attitudes are facilitated or compromised.

Study design

We used qualitative description to analyze 23 interviews conducted with 15 mothers of newborns undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal, cardiac, or neural tube defects.

Results

Breastfeeding experiences were characterized by naivety regarding the importance and rationale for exclusive breast milk feedings and best practices to facilitate milk supply maintenance and transition to at-breast feeds. Maternal breastfeeding views and behaviors were impacted by indeterminate prenatal plans to breastfeed/provide breast milk, limited prior breastfeeding exposure and knowledge, and gaps in postnatal lactation support.

Conclusion

Future research should investigate methods to improve exclusive breast milk feeding and facilitate transitions to at-breast feeds among mothers of newborns with surgical congenital anomalies, with consideration of identified barriers.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Association of Women’s Health, Neonatal, and Obstetric Nurses (Kimberly-Clark Nursing Research Award; PI: JD). Data collection was also supported through NIH grant UL1TR001857. We thank Kacie Angely for her assistance with participant recruitment. We also thank the mothers who participated in the study and shared their breastfeeding experiences.

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Correspondence to Jill Demirci.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Demirci, J., Caplan, E., Brozanski, B. et al. Winging it: maternal perspectives and experiences of breastfeeding newborns with complex congenital surgical anomalies. J Perinatol 38, 708–717 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0077-z

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