Abstract
Research Question: ‘How do health visitors (HVs) perceive their role in the infant feeding decisions of young expectant parents?’Objective: To explore HVs perceptions of their ability to influence the feeding decisions of young expectant parents, particularly at the antenatal contact.
Design: A qualitative approach was utilised using semi-structures interviews.
Setting: Data collection took place in the UK in 2021.
Participant: Five registered, practicing, health visitors were recruited using social media.
Results: Three key themes were identified; ‘The Role of the Health Visitor’, ‘The Antenatal Contact and Feeding Discussions’ and ‘Barriers to Advice Adherence and Alternative Sources of Advice’.
Conclusions and Implications for Future Practice: Health visitors feel that they have an important role to play in influencing the infant feeding decisions of young expectant parents and that the antenatal contact is an ideal opportunity to discuss breastfeeding with this group. However, young expectant parents often seek information from alternative sources such as peers, grandmothers, partners, the internet and social media and the advice and information offered by these sources may not be in accordance with the evidence-based advice offered by the health visitor and other healthcare professionals. HVs value and the antenatal contact and view it as an ideal opportunity to develop the therapeutic relationship. More research is needed to develop the evidence-base regarding the timing of the antenatal contact and feeding discussions with young expectant parents.
| Date of Award | 3 Dec 2023 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Linda Hatfield (Supervisor) |
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