Comfort of Breastfeeding as Perceived by Mothers Who Continued Breastfeeding for More Than Six Months

Abstract

This study aims to describe the experience of mothers who have continued breastfeeding for more than six months and perceived breastfeeding as comfortable.

The mothers felt comfort as illustrated by ‘ease of feelings that comes from a baby sucking and drinking from the breast,’ ‘relaxing breastfeeding time allowing physical contact with the baby,’ ‘joy and happiness of breastfeeding derived from the awareness of stable breastfeeding,’ ‘ease of breastfeeding as it is economical and easy,’ and ‘affection towards breastfeeding felt by continuing the breastfeeding for a long time.’ Multiparous mothers felt that ‘the anxiety about breastfeeding was alleviated based on their experience with their older children.’ Mental and physical pain was alleviated by ‘a sense of freedom from the pain of sticking to breastfeeding in choosing formula’ when breastfeeding did not go well. They also felt comfortable when ‘their anxiety was alleviated by sympathetic support from midwives, fellow mothers, and family members.’ The findings suggest that mothers will find breastfeeding comfortable while continuing breastfeeding being supported by others.