Breastfeeding Problems of Postpartum Mothers in a Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Breastfeeding is important for babies from birth to the sixth month and it should be continued for up to two years. In Thailand, the reported prevalence indexes of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months 2019 and 2022 were 14 and 29 percent respectively. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, changes in the hospital service system took place in visiting periods for relatives, and keeping vigil over the sick by family members was not allowed. Therefore, it is interesting to know the problems postpartum mothers faced in the secondary care hospital. This study aimed to study the state of breastfeeding problems faced by postpartum mothers in a secondary care hospital in the northeastern region of Thailand. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected in February 2022 at a secondary care hospital of one northeastern province of Thailand., utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, field notes, and photographs as data collection methods. The data analysis employed content analysis.

Results The informants were 28 postpartum mothers 18 to 38 years of age; the average age was 28 years. Breastfeeding problems of postpartum mothers indicated three themes: (1) being separated from family members, (2) reliance on nurses as family members, subthemes: 2.1) support postpartum mothers to initiate breastfeeding, 2.2) maintain breastfeeding, and (3) self-care for breastfeeding success, subthemes: 3.1) mother’s position, 3.2) baby’s position. The findings serve as data for nurses, midwife nurses and other healthcare professions involved in postpartum care. Additionally, they also serve as empirical evidences for developing nursing practices in development of postpartum care programs.