Health Promotion Process in Breastfeeding Working Mothers: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Abstract: Introductions: Most of the working mothers return to work soon after giving birth, during breastfeeding period. The exhaustion associated with the care of a new born and breastfeeding is compounded with employment responsibilities and creates a vulnerable state of health for mothers. This study aimed to explore the health promotion process in breastfeeding working mothers in Tabriz during 2015-2017. Methods: This study was conducted through a qualitative approach and the Strauss and Corbin grounded theory (2008) method. Selection of participants was initiated using purposeful sampling and continued by theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected by in-depth semi-structured interviews, from 20 Iranian breastfeeding mothers who returned to work and committed to continue breastfeeding, 3 husbands, 2 mothers, 2 co-workers and one of the workplace supervisors. Results: Main concern of participants was emerged as “concern of failing to provide child’s needs”. Contextual factors which caused to main concern were “feeling guilty” , “mothering allegation of pleasure and hardship” , “ health as a missed priority”, “ Disproportional multidimensional role pressure” ,“ Solitude and friendless” and “Deterrence and damaging workplace”. The main strategy which mothers used in confronting with their main concern was “Redefining life based on child’s need” and include these steps: “Flourishing mothering instinct”, “balancing work- family” , Striving to improve the way of life’ and “seeking help” which caused to Physical and mental exhaustion along with growth and development. Conclusion: Promoting the participation of spouse who shared family responsibilities and having better comradely with coworkers seemed to be the major relief for exhausted and stressed mothers. Findings of this study conclude a significant need for more family-friendly policies at work with flexible schedules, part-time work options, access to child care, and access to suitable facilities to breastfeed or express milk. Moreover mental engagements induced by the sense of not fulfilling maternal task in an accurate manner are always accompanied with working mothers. Therefore, healthcare providers should try to promote breastfeeding along with maternal skills to improve maternal competences and enable mothers to mitigate sinful and guilt feeling by accepting themselves as good mothers.