title: Women's perceptions of their healthcare experience when they choose not to breastfeed.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  How do women who choose not to breastfeed perceive their healthcare experience?
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative research study used a phenomenographic approach to explore the healthcare experience of women who do not breastfeed. Seven women were interviewed about their healthcare experience relating to their choice of feeding, approximately 4 weeks after giving birth. Six conceptions were identified and an outcome space was developed to demonstrate the relationships and meaning of the conceptions in a visual format.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were five unmet needs identified by the participants during this study. These needs included equity, self sufficiency, support, education and the need not to feel pressured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women in this study who chose not to breastfeed identified important areas where they felt that their needs were not met. In keeping with the Code of Ethics for Nurses and Midwives, the identified needs of women who do not breastfeed must be addressed in a caring, compassionate and just manner. The care and education of women who formula feed should be of the highest standard possible, even if the choice not to breastfeed is not the preferred choice of healthcare professionals.
authors: School of Nursing and, Midwifery at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia. l.wirihana@qut.edu.au
authors: Lisa A
authors: LA
authors: Wirihana
authors: Alan
authors: A
authors: Barnard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires