Abstract
Purpose : This study aimed to determine factors associated with continued breastfeeding,
based on mothers' reflections on their experiences of breastfeeding for 1 year following the
birth of their babies.
Subjects : The sample comprised 10 mothers who had given birth at a birth center and had
continued to breastfeed for 1 year.
Methods : This was a qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interviews were
conducted using an interviewer-guided approach. Data were qualitatively and inductively
analyzed and then categorized. This study was approved by the ethical review board of the
institution that the researchers belonged to.
Results/Discussion : Factors associated with continued breastfeeding included （a）
regarding breastfeeding to be natural;（ b） being watched over by specialists who recommend
breastfeeding; （c） breastfeeding support from the birth of their baby till 4 months of age;
and （d） understanding of the importance of breastfeeding by family members. Results also
suggested that mothers’ thoughts on breastfeeding, the presence of experts who recommend
breastfeeding, and the understanding of family members were necessary for continued
breastfeeding. It appears that guidance from persons close to mothers during the first few
months of motherhood is of particular importance for continued breastfeeding.
