References
‘Just one more feed’: the impact of traumatic birth on breastfeeding
Abstract
Background/Aims
A range of factors influence breastfeeding behaviour, including maternal mental health. Traumatic births have an impact on maternal mental health and have been found to negatively affect breastfeeding behaviour. The aim of this study was to better understand the impact of traumatic birth on breastfeeding experiences.
Methods
A total of 19 women aged 20–43 years who reported having a traumatic birth since 2010 and attempting to breastfeed were recruited for one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically.
Results
Four main themes were identified: bonding with baby, over/compensation, empowerment and physical complications. Breastfeeding reduced the psychological impact of traumatic birth through effective infant bonding and a sense of empowerment. However, it could also lead to a sense of failure, distress and pain.
Conclusions
Increased support is needed for people who have experienced a traumatic birth to ensure successful breastfeeding. Such support may help to ameliorate the sense of failure experienced by individuals following ‘failed’ birthing experiences.
Implications for practice
Greater support is needed for those breastfeeding after a traumatic birth, including longer-term support with mental health. Equipment should be available to assist with feeding complications and there should be an opportunity to debrief and talk through any negative experiences that may impact breastfeeding.
Breast milk is remarkable in its ability to match infant needs, providing a complete nutritional profile that adapts in synchrony with infant maturation (Riordan and Wambach, 2010). The World Health Organization (2023) recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth for at least 6 months and encourages continuation of non-exclusive breastfeeding for up to 2 years. These recommendations are based on the numerous advantages of breast milk for the child, including enhancing the infant immune response, reducing the chance of allergies, such as eczema or asthma (van Odijk et al, 2003; Quigley et al, 2016), as well as for maternal health, reducing the risk of breast cancer and developing type 2 diabetes postpartum (Britt et al, 2007; Gunderson et al, 2015).
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