Purpose
Using the dependent care model proposed by Orem, a theoretician on nursing, this study aims at elucidating the breastfeeding continuation agency said to be necessary for mothers, through analysis of factors limiting breastfeeding continuation.
Method
In this study, designed as a descriptive study, data were collected using the semi-structural interview method. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 103 mothers who visited the hospital for examination one month after childbirth and could not continue breastfeeding, relying instead on mixed feeding comprising mother's milk and cow's milk, or bottlefeeding only.
Results
The survey revealed the following three characteristic factors that limited breastfeeding continuation: 1) abandonment based on experience, 2) maladjustment caused by difference between imaginary child and real child and 3) inappropriateness of advice, owing to affection toward the child. Relations were observed among these limitation factors; maladjustment caused by the difference between the imaginary child and the real child was accompanied by lack of experience in living with a child or lack of breastfeeding experience, a living environment in which the mother was pressed for time or had no mental “elbowroom”, erroneous judgment by the mother and family members that her breast-milk was insufficient, and their lack of learning to cope with problems.
Conclusion
Judging from the above results, the dependent care agency said to be necessary for a mother comprises the following: 1) ability to make the most of her experience; 2) recognition of the reality that the child cries, with adaptability to the child's cry; and 3) ability to stick to breastfeeding and to selectively accept support and take advice.