Beyond breastfeeding: breastfeeding through exclusive milk expression
Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
While many women practice exclusive milk expression, feeding their infants only milk that has been expressed, there is little research on this phenomenon. This interpretative phenomenological study involved interviews with 12 mothers that were practicing exclusive milk expression. Interviews were also followed up with photovoice prompts leading to multiple forms of data for analysis including interview transcripts, photographs, and narrative responses. A major theme in the current study was exclusive expression as a valid and alternative feeding option that while difficult and stressful, provided a sense of accomplishment, and a new appreciation for their body. Participants were motivated to initiate or continue with exclusive expression for a variety of reasons and some participants found meaning in donating their milk. Participants described a mix of positive and negative emotions including a common emotional experience of being proud. Another major theme was the exclusive pumping journey involving changes to pumping plans, goals, and concerns about milk supply. The third major theme was exclusive expression as a significant part of daily life. Mothers described the importance of support in healthcare and family and the sense of becoming support or advocate for others. Social media was a common source for pumping information and participants reported using multiple pumps, desiring many different pump features, and experiencing the mental load of pumping, including the demanding schedule that exclusive pumping requires.
Description
Keywords
Exclusive expression, Infant feeding, Emotional experience, Breastfeeding