Revista de Lactancia Materna

Assessment of the impact of opening a breastfeeding support group maternal

Idoya López Muñiz, Lourdes Alegre Martínez, Garbiñe Perianes Ecenarro — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Promotion of Breastfeeding

José Ángel Martínez Casares, Ester Massó Guijarro, María Gema Cid Expósito — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The promotion of breastfeeding has been primarily justified by substantial evidence of the benefits this practice provides to both the mother and her breastfeeding child. While these benefits are undeniable, the vast majority of these studies lack a multidimensional perspective (such as Health Anthropology / Nursing and Gender Studies) that could complement the physiological and health-focused approach to breastfeeding practices. This gap has sparked a debate among various gender/feminist perspectives—both critical and supportive—regarding the promotion of breastfeeding. Such an ideological and social debate impacts the decision-making balance of women who wish to breastfeed.

Therefore, promoting this practice as a socio-cultural phenomenon must also address, from a gender perspective, the seemingly controversial aspects. This article presents an in-depth review of the main points shaping the gender-informed dialogue and debate surrounding breastfeeding. It incorporates both the highly critical perspectives from Beauvoirian feminist frameworks, and the strong arguments in favor of the new lactivist movements, where leading researchers in the social sciences actively participate.

Failed Breastfeeding. When Breastfeeding Lasts less than Desired. Review of the Maternal Experience of Breastfeeding

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objetives: Despite support for breastfeeding, many mothers are unable to breastfeed as they wish. There are frequent breastfeeding difficulties, feelings of guilt, loneliness and shame, and cessation is sometimes associated with depression. The objective is to conduct a review on the relationship between breastfeeding experiences and maternal mental health and to provide recommendations to professionals and families. Material and methods: a review of the literature published in PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, APA PsycNet, PsycINFO, Enfispo and CINHAL was carried out with the keywords «maternal/motherhood», «experience breastfeeding», «guilt», «anxiety» and «depression». Results: Breastfeeding difficulties, lack of support and early cessation are predisposing factors for maternal depression while satisfactory breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and having a social support network are protective. A discordance between expectations and actual experience may be associated with worse maternal mental health. Individualized and multidisciplinary interventions are more successful. Conclusions: The association between breastfeeding and depression or anxiety is inverse and bidirectional and it is influenced by maternal expectations. The postpartum period is a period of special vulnerability, professionals and families should help mothers without judging or negatively influencing their experiences. More research is needed on factors that determine the breastfeeding experience and the effectiveness of interventions. Breastfeeding is not just the option or responsibility of the mother, it is the responsibility of the entire society.

Positive Changes in Pregnant Women’s Attitude towards Breastfeeding

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Background: Knowledge about breastfeeding (BF) can improve pregnant women’s attitudes toward successfully initiating breastfeeding and help mothers and their newborns enjoy the benefits it provides.

Methods: An analytical, prospective, longitudinal, educational intervention study was conducted. Pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years who sought medical care were included. At baseline, sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, obstetric history, and data on breastfeeding were collected. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS) was administered. This scale assesses three dimensions: Dimension 1, Nutritional Benefits (items 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15); Dimension 2, Emotional Benefits (items 3, 7, 11); and Dimension 3, Social Benefits (items 6, 8, 16, 17). The educational intervention was conducted in a workshop-style format; the teaching tools used were audiovisual material with a slide presentation and printed brochures. During the workshop, topics related to the three dimensions were addressed. After the workshop, the final evaluation was carried out.