The process of acquiring feeding method by mothers of 0-3months twins

Abstract

Purpose
The objective of this study was to elucidate the process of acquiring a feeding method by mothers of 0-3 month-old twins.
Subjects and Methods
Research was conducted based on the Grounded Theory Approach using the Symbolic Interaction Theory proposed by Blumer as theoretical bases. Data were collected by observation of participants and semi-structured interview methods from 5 mothers of twins who had no congenital anomaly or disease at birth and who started breastfeeding immediately after birth. Interviews took place during postpartum hospitalization, and at 1 month and 3 month check-ups of infants. The methods of Strauss & Corbin (1990/1999) and Saiki (2005) were used for analysis.
Results
The process of acquiring a feeding method by mothers of 0-3 month-old twins was "acquisition of due proportion feeding". "Due proportion feeding" is a feeding attitude that applies the concept of "due proportion" clarified by Jean Simon Pictet (Inoue, 1975). It is a unique feeding attitude toward twin created by their mothers who make judgments "taking priorities into consideration", while having "contradictory feelings" about "comparing the twins" in order to "respect their individuality" and "respect equality". During hospitalization, mothers conducted "accompanied feeding" in which midwives accompany their feeding. After discharge, "pressure from crying infants" was increased and "unusual physical condition" occurred, but mothers handled the crying twins by "supplementing with formula after wavering" or using "a strategy to overcome frequent feeding". Until 1 month postpartum, mothers selected feeding methods caring mainly about the weight difference of the twins, but concern about the weight difference disappeared with "growth of the babies" and they came to feed the infant with higher priority by comparing the twins, in order to understand their individual characteristics. Then "pressure from crying infants" decreased and mothers shifted to "mother-led breastfeeding" where the twins were fed based on their needs and conducted "continued breastfeeding".
Conclusion
The process of acquiring a feeding method that fits the mothers of 0-3 month-old twins was "acquisition of due proportion feeding". Healthcare professionals should understand this process and provide support so that the mothers of twins understand the characteristics of each individual infant.