Roberta J. Hewat

Blending Observational Methods: Possibilities, Strategies, and Challenges

Qualitative researchers have used the observational strategies of video recording and participant observation to investigate specific phenomena. Although there have been recent advances in the separate use of these strategies, there is evidence that there is benefit in combining these observational approaches to study particular phenomena. The purpose of the paper is to present a discussion about the application of these observational methods as blended approaches. The authors draw on their own experience as researchers and that of others to explore how these observational strategies could be combined for use in a singular study. They provide directions for researchers who select observation as a primary research strategy.

Similarities and differences between women who breastfeed for short and long duration

Abstract Womens perceptions of their breastfeeding experiences were explored in a retrospective study. Of the 40 paired subjects drawn from a previous study, 20 had breastfed for 2 days–8 weeks and 20 had breastfed for 6–14 months. The women were from 9–13 months postdelivery when the study began. In-depth interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and systematically analysed. Findings indicated similarities and differences between the two comparative groups. Similarities among all the women were; desire to breastfeed; ambivalent feelings about breastfeeding; preparation of selves prenatally; physical discomforts related to breastfeeding; sensitivity to the feelings of others when feeding in public; perceived pressure from others to breastfeed and variance in infant feeding patterns throughout the breastfeeding period. Differences for women breastfeeding for longer duration were: more frequent feedings during establishment; less concern about infant weight loss; positive interpretation of their infants behaviours; greater ability to relax; more flexibility in daily routine; greater ability to incorporate siblings into the feeding experience and more emotional and psychological support from their partners. New strategies for providing assistance to breastfeeding women are suggested.

Breastfeeding as a maternal‐child team effort: Women's perceptions

A retrospective, qualitative study of womens perceptions of their breastfeeding experiences was conducted to identify factors influencing breastfeeding, determine new parameters for nursing assessment, and clarify nursings role. A matched sample of 40 women was selected for interview in their homes. Twenty had breastfed 2 days to 8 weeks and 20 had breastfed 6–14 months. Analysis indicated eight major variables that strongly influence the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of breastfeeding. Five variables concerning the women were: priorities related to beliefs, values, and goals about breastfeeding; congruence of expectations to actual experiences; physical recovery; interpretation of infant behaviors; and type of support received. Three related to the infant were: amounts and frequency of feeding; infant temperament and behavior; and physical attributes. Nursing assistance to breastfeeding women as it is now practiced is limited. The data suggest a framework that supports direction for nursing as...

Breast-feeding: motivation and outcome

To determine patterns of infant feeding and influencing factors, 131 women, interested in breastfeeding and giving birth in 1 hospital in British Columbia, Canada, were followed for 6 months postpartum. Data were collected from hospital records and each participant completed mail-in questionnaries when their babies were 1, 3 and 6 months old. At 6 months 3.9% were exclusively breastfeeding, 26.5% were feeding their infants breast milk and semisolids and 26.5% were combining breastfeeding with formula and/or semisolids. Over 50% discontinued breastfeeding before their stated intentions. Most women had chosen to breastfeed because of benefits to the baby, and most gave up breast feeding because of perceived insufficient milk.

Assisting the breastfeeding mother: a problem-solving process.

At the Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre (VBC), breastfeeding is facilitated through a process of assessment, analysis, diagnosis, care and counsel, and evaluation. This process is described and related to phases of breastfeeding kinetics by considering two presenting problems: sore nipples, and inadequate production of milk.

Patterns of Infant Feeding in the First Six Months

A quasi-experimental six months longitudinal study of women planning to breastfeed was carried out in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. The purpose was to increase breastfeeding duration through the provision of nursing support, and information about breastfeeding. This paper reports on the patterns of infant feeding by 131 mothers for six months postpartum. Included are data on initiation of breastfeeding, feeding intervals, supplementation, initiating semi-solids and duration of breastfeeding. Unsupplemented breastfeeding declined from 90.8%, at the time of discharge from hospital to 65% at one month, 45% at three months and 3.9% at six months. For some infants, semi-solids were introduced at one month and by three months 11.4%, were being fed semi-solids. The implications for health care professionals caring for breastfeeding women are outlined.