Overview
This study aims to explore the experiences of mothers who are currently breastfeeding their children but are considering stopping breastfeeding. It focuses on how mothers make decisions about breastfeeding cessation, where they seek information about possible methods, what uncertainties or difficulties they experience, and what support they need from healthcare professionals.
This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Approximately 20 to 25 mothers aged 18 years or older who are currently breastfeeding a child aged at least 6 months and are considering breastfeeding cessation will be invited to participate. The final number of participants will depend on the information obtained during the interviews.
Data will be collected through individual, semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Participants will also complete a brief form about their demographic characteristics and breastfeeding experiences. Interviews will be conducted face-to-face or online, depending on participant preference.
The findings are expected to provide a better understanding of mothers' experiences and support needs during the breastfeeding cessation decision-making process and may help inform breastfeeding counseling provided by healthcare professionals.
Description
The study uses a qualitative phenomenological design and does not follow a cohort, case-control, or other conventional epidemiological observational study model. This qualitative study will use a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of mothers who are currently breastfeeding and considering breastfeeding cessation. The study seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of mothers' decision-making processes, their exploration of breastfeeding cessation methods and information sources, the uncertainties and difficulties they experience or anticipate, and their perceived support needs.
Participants will be recruited using purposive sampling, with an emphasis on maximum variation to capture diverse experiences and stages of decision-making. Recruitment will take place through social media platforms, mother-child groups, and relevant online communication channels. Snowball sampling may also be used. Approximately 20 to 25 mothers are expected to participate, although the final sample size will be determined based on data saturation.
Data will be collected using a 17-item Participant Information Form and an eight-question Semi-Structured Interview Guide developed by the researchers based on the relevant literature. Individual interviews will be conducted face-to-face or online according to participant preference and are expected to last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. With participants' permission, interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.
Descriptive data will be summarized using appropriate descriptive statistics. Qualitative interview data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Interview transcripts will be read repeatedly to achieve familiarity with the data, followed by initial coding, development of candidate themes and subthemes, review and refinement of themes, and definition and reporting of the final themes. MAXQDA 24 software will be used to support the organization and analysis of qualitative data. Data collection and analysis will be conducted concurrently, and data collection will end when additional interviews no longer provide meaningful new information, codes, or themes relevant to the research questions.
The study does not involve an investigator-assigned intervention. Its purpose is to understand mothers' experiences and perceived support needs rather than to evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding cessation methods.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18 years or older.
- Having given birth at least once.
- Currently breastfeeding their child.
- Having a child aged at least 6 months.
- Actively considering or planning breastfeeding cessation.
- Being in the process of making decisions about breastfeeding cessation and/or determining cessation methods.
- Being able to communicate in Turkish.
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Having completely stopped breastfeeding.
- Not considering breastfeeding cessation.
- Having communication difficulties that prevent participation in the interview.
- Having any condition that prevents completion of the research interview.
