title: Improving Breastfeeding Support by Understanding Women's Perspectives and Emotional Experiences of Breastfeeding.
abstract: Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months is universally acknowledged as the optimal means of infant nutrition. However, current studies show that most women are not following this recommendation. Many studies address the issue of increasing breastfeeding rates, but fewer explore the perspectives and experiences of breastfeeding women. In this article we review the literature and identify common themes in women's breastfeeding experiences. Nurses and other health care providers stand to help or hinder breastfeeding women, and they must be aware of and sensitive to women's personal experiences and perspectives to understand how to best promote and support women in their attempts to meet their breastfeeding goals.
authors.forename: Alicia D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Debevec
authors.forename: Tracy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Evanson
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support
keywords: breastfeeding; breastfeeding support; literature review; qualitative research; women’s perspectives on breastfeeding