Breastfeeding experiences of mothers of infants with respiratory tract infection

This study was conducted to determine breastfeeding experiences of mothers of infants with respiratory tract infections. This study is a phenomenological study. Sample of the study consisted of 13 breastfeeding women. Content analysis method was used to evaluate the data. Breastfeeding experiences of mothers participating in the study were determined as two themes: Being Emotionally Affected and Breastfeeding Failure. Being Emotionally Affected theme consists of sub-themes Guilt, Desperation, Inadequacy, and Stress. Under the theme of “Breastfeeding Failure,” there were sub-themes of airway obstruction, reluctance to suck, weak sucking, and breast problems. As a result, it was determined that mothers of infant with respiratory tract infections had difficulty breastfeeding and that mothers were emotionally affected by this process. Nurses should be aware that these mothers have problems breastfeeding and their emotional states, and plan nursing care taking these into considerations.