Women's perceptions of factors needed to encourage a culture of public breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in Sweden, Ireland and Australia

Charlotta Dykes; Pernilla Ny; Yvonne L Hauck; Lesley Kuliukas; Louise Gallagher; Vivienne Brady; Christine Rubertsson

doi:10.1186/s13006-023-00583-z

Women's perceptions of factors needed to encourage a culture of public breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in Sweden, Ireland and Australia

Int Breastfeed J. 2023 Sep 1;18(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s13006-023-00583-z.

Authors

Charlotta Dykes^{1

2}, Pernilla Ny³, Yvonne L Hauck⁴, Lesley Kuliukas⁴, Louise Gallagher⁵, Vivienne Brady⁵, Christine Rubertsson^{3

6}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19 223 62, Lund, Sweden. charlotta.dykes@med.lu.se.
² Department of Pediatric Neurology, Skane University Hospital, Lasarettsgatan 48 222 41, Lund, Sweden. charlotta.dykes@med.lu.se.
³ Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
⁴ School of Nursing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
⁵ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The Gas Building, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin, D02 T283, Ireland.
⁶ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skane University Hospital, Jan Waldenströmsgata 47 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding in the public sphere is known to be experienced as a problem for many women. It has been shown to arouse negative feelings among the public, depending on the attitude of those in the immediate surroundings. This contributes to the fact that many women hesitate to breastfeed in public and prepare themselves for potential adverse comments.

Methods: An online survey was used for an international cross-sectional study including women living in Sweden (n = 1252), Australia (n = 7602) and Ireland (n = 1597). Women who had breastfed within the previous two years were invited to participate through Facebook. One key open-ended question was presented, inviting women to respond to: "What do you think is important or needed to encourage a breastfeeding culture where breastfeeding in public is seen as normal?" During 2018, data were collected during a four-week period. A thematic analysis of women's responses was conducted separately in each country and then comparison and negotiation occurred once similarities between themes and subthemes were confirmed. Frequencies of subthemes were then determined and compared between the three countries.

Results: Seven subthemes developed from the data; 'Make breastfeeding visible in society'; 'Healthcare professionals support and knowledge regarding breastfeeding'; 'Education of the public'; 'Inviting environment'; 'Zero tolerance to other's unwanted opinions'; 'Focusing on the needs and rights of the breastfeeding dyad'; and 'Desexualize breastfeeding and women's' bodies in society'. Subthemes were integrated under two themes; 'Active supportive interventions needed for breastfeeding' and 'The obvious right of breastfeeding women and children to take a seat in the public sphere'.

Conclusion: The common experience that exists today regarding public breastfeeding requires change towards normalization. Further collaborative research is recommended to meet the expressed requirements from women who wish to breastfeed in public.

Keywords: Attitudes; Breastfeeding culture; Children’s rights; Experiences; Mothers; Public breastfeeding; Public knowledge; Social norms; Women’s rights.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Australia
Breast Feeding*
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Ireland
Sweden