Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Instrumental Support Needs of Breastfeeding Mothers: A Qualitative Study in Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Nahid Maleki 1
malihe amirian 2
khadijeh Mirzaei Najmabadi 3
1 Nursing and Midwifery school, Department of Midwifery, Shahrood University of Medical Sciences, Shahrood, Iran
2 AssociatDepartment of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Milad (Mashhad) Infertility Center, Mashhad, Irane Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine
3 MashhadNursing and Midwifery school, Department of Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran university of medical science
10.22038/jmrh.2024.78918.2359
Abstract
Background & Aims: Breastfeeding is an important strategy to ensure health promotion and wellbeing. Breastfeeding rates have consistently decreased around the world and therefore protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding are considered as public health priorities. This study aims to explore breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions and experiences of instrumental support needs.
Methods: This study was performed between March 2018 and April 2020, in five health centers and four hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. It adopted a qualitative approach wherein 36 breastfeeding mothers, family members, and health providers attended individual semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis based on the Elo and Kyngas approach, with MAXQDA software (version, 2010).
Results: five emerged categories of ‘facilitating maternal roles’, ‘supply necessary items’, ‘welfare services’, ‘cultural services’ and ‘healthcare services’ were the results of data analysis of mothers’ instrumental support needs.
Conclusion: Mothers need instrumental support to sustain breastfeeding. Significant others, such as the husband, family members, and health providers, play an important role in meeting breastfeeding mothers’ instrumental support needs.
Keywords
Breastfeeding Mothers
Qualitative Research
Social Support
Instrumental Support Needs
Subjects
Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 August 2026