Abstract
Purpose: To clarify the experiences of midwives who support breastfeeding mothers.
Method: Participant observation and semi-constructive interviews were carried out with six midwives. The data obtained was analyzed qualitatively and inductively.
Results: In their support for breastfeeding mothers, midwives had had experiences that could be categorized into: ‘beliefs toward support for breastfeeding are shaken' , ‘nagging uncertainty and doubt concerning support for breastfeeding' , ‘developing support for breastfeeding in line with the realities of the mother and maximizing the benefits of both the mother and the child' , ‘finding clues for bridging the distance with the mother while experiencing the difficulties of providing support for breastfeeding' , and ‘withholding one's personal displeasure or their professional opinions for the sake of the smooth running of the organization' .
Discussion: The results of this study revealed that the research participants had perceived the same problematic situations concerning breastfeeding support as had been noted by mothers in preceding studies. Supporting mothers based on a predetermined policy of breastfeeding promotion had caused these problems, of which the participants had been aware but not brought to light. It was suggested that to build a rich knowledge base that takes a variety of maternal types into consideration, it is necessary to recognize and record midwives' experience as legitimate expertise.
