Department of Nursing and Midwifery

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Browsing Department of Nursing and Midwifery by browse.metadata.advisor "Boshoff, D."

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    The perceptions and experiences of auxiliary nurses regarding breastfeeding in a pediatric setting of an academic hospital in the Western Cape
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Joseph, Margo Salomia; Skinner, D.; Boshoff, D.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Breastfeeding is considered as the most preferable method of infant feeding to fulfill babies’ nutritional needs important to the growth and development of babies. Unfortunately, there were babies not breastfed due to numerous reasons including infant illness and hospitalization. The purpose of this research was to describe the experiences and perceptions of nurses regarding breastfeeding in a pediatric setting of an academic hospital in the Province of the Western Cape. A descriptive study design with a qualitative approach was used to explore the experiences and perceptions of auxiliary nurses regarding breastfeeding. Purposive sampling was utilized to consciously select thirteen auxiliary nurses to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data analysis involved the transcribing of tape recorded interviews, the generating of themes and sub-themes, coding of the data, interpretation and organization of data and the drawing of conclusions. According to the auxiliary nurses’ perceptions, most of the babies in the pediatric setting were not being breastfed. Breastfeeding was being supplemented with formula milk when mothers chose not to breastfeed, experienced breastfeeding problems, were not with the baby or the baby was too sick to breastfeed. The babies’ illness, the hospital environment and lack of resources were challenging auxiliary nurses when supporting breastfeeding mothers. Not all health professionals were supportive of breastfeeding. Interrelated factors including, shortage of staff, time constraints, heavy work-loads, auxiliary nurses’ breastfeeding knowledge and experience, their confidence to support breastfeeding and communication regarding breastfeeding, influenced auxiliary nurses’ ability to support breastfeeding babies and mothers. The research findings indicate that there was a need for breastfeeding promotion in the pediatric setting. Recommendations included a written breastfeeding policy, breastfeeding training for all health care professionals, better breastfeeding education and support for mothers, the maintenance and of breastfeeding during the babies’ illness, adequate accommodation for breastfeeding mothers and the support of breastfeeding mothers who are HIV positive.