Understanding Maternal Breastfeeding Confidence: A Gadamerian Hermeneutic Analysis of Women's Stories
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2008
Abstract
Our aim in this Gadamerian hermeneutic study was to understand maternal breastfeeding confidence and its meaning through listening to women's voices describing their experiences within the context of the United States. We asked 13 women, aged 23 to 42 years, who had breastfed a child within the last 2 years to tell us their breastfeeding stories. Women experienced maternal breastfeeding confidence as a dynamic interaction between their expectations, their infant's breastfeeding behavior, and sources of support. They described experiences that enhanced or diminished their confidence. Health professionals can use these findings to plan approaches that promote and support maternal breastfeeding confidence.
Journal Title
Health Care for Women International
Journal ISSN
1096-4665
Volume
29
Issue
8
First Page
841
Last Page
862
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/07399330802269527