Expectations and Perspectives About Infant Feeding of Their First Child Among Rural Women.
Karry Weston, Allison Brandt Anbari, Tina Bloom and 2 others
PMID 39647815WHAT IT FOUND
Rural first-time mothers mostly intended to breastfeed but switched to formula soon after birth because they lacked practical breastfeeding knowledge, privacy, and timely support.
Nurses heard the same pattern. They wanted help with practical steps, not only health benefits.
Key findings
01Many rural first-time mothers intended to breastfeed but switched to formula soon after birth because they could not tell whether their infants were getting enough milk.
02Participants described rural communities where formula feeding seemed common, public breastfeeding was not accepted, and mothers felt judged whether they breastfed or used formula.
03Perinatal home visiting nurses confirmed that mothers often lacked practical breastfeeding skills and support, and that hospital staff sometimes encouraged formula use or gave nipple shields.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This is a qualitative study of experiences, not a test of whether any intervention improves breastfeeding. The sample was 18 rural, mostly White, low socioeconomic status women in Missouri, so results may not apply to other groups. Purposive sampling was subjective, and selection and social desirability bias could have affected what participants said. The nurse focus group was part of triangulation, not a separate patient sample.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest or financial relationships. Participants received small incentives: $25 gift cards for women and $40 gift cards plus lunch for nurses.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that teaching practical breastfeeding steps will improve breastfeeding. The study describes experiences and nurse views, not a tested intervention.