Objective:

To explore unsuccessful cases of breast-feeding from the perspective of healthcare professionals working with mothers and babies in the breastfeeding process.

Materials and Methods:

Qualitative study with an exploratory-descriptive scope, approached from the perspective of grounded theory. Healthcare professionals involved in breastfeeding care in Region IX in Chile were asked to analyze their experiences with unsuccessful breastfeeding. The data were digitized and grouped by questions in order to arrive at codes and categories typically used in manifest content analysis. Group analysis with anonymity preservation was used.

Results:

Three categories were identified, starting with adverse factors that acted as barriers to successful breastfeeding, such as undesired pregnancy, mother’s age and occupation, changes in breastfeeding routines, ineffectual support networks, physical conditions and problems with breastfeeding techniques. On the other hand, absence of protective factors such as comprehensive healthcare, positive reinforcement and job flexibility. The third category had to do with the emotional impact on the mother caused by the inability to breastfeed, which could be overcome by means of family containment and/ or psychological support to help mothers accept unsuccessful breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

Healthcare professionals identified factors hindering breastfeeding, some of them amenable to intervention. Emphasis is made on the importance of providing assistance and information, building empathy and giving support to the mother in order to strengthen her confidence in her ability to breastfeed the baby.

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