i AN INVESTIGATION OF EXPERIENCES AND DEPRESSION RATES IN WOMEN WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN ESTABLISHING A SATISFACTORY BREASTFEEDING PROCESS WITH THEIR BABY- AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

This study investigated the experiences and post-natal depression rates in women experiencing problems in establishing and maintaining a successful breastfeeding process with their babies. There were two phases in the project. Phase 1 gathered categorical data about this client group, their partner and baby, the breastfeeding problems experienced and screened the women for post-natal depression. Phase 2 involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten of the women involved in Phase 1. The interviews explored women’s physical and emotional experiences of the breastfeeding problem(s); how this/these impacted on their relationship with their baby and partner; sought to elicit and evaluate the professional assistance they have received to remedy the problem(s); examined the amount and quality of family and social support received by the women; and invited participants to provide suggestions as to how other women in the same situation could be assisted. The results obtained found that this sample group had a higher level of PND than found by most previous researchers; that breastfeeding problems had a considerable physical and emotional impact on the women; they supported previous findings that professional, family and social supports are very important to new mothers; and that professional assistance and support to these women could be improved. It is recommended that further investigation is warranted – with a larger and more representative sample- to explore whether breastfeeding problems contribute to the aetiology and exacerbation of post-natal depression.