Maternal experiences of infant feeding during acute diarrheal illness in a rural setting

Chapoñan-Gastulo N.N.; Mogollón-Torres F.M.; Diaz-Manchay R.J. · Index de Enfermeria (2026) · DOI: 10.58807/indexenferm20268323

Resumen

Objective: To describe maternal barriers to exclusive breastfeeding from the experience of mothers in a rural population center. Methods: Qualitative research, descriptive design, in a convenience sample of 16 mothers of infants under six months of age from a population center in Lambayeque, Peru, determined by saturation and redundancy. Information was collected using a conversational technique, with a semi-structured interview guide validated by expert judgment, and then manually processed using content analysis. Results: Six categories emerged: negative self-perception of breastfeeding; ineffective self-perception of breast milk production; maternal conditions; deficient knowledge about breastfeeding; and maternal employment and education. Conclusion: There are multiple and complex maternal barriers that limit the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, all of which can be overcome with good guidance and support. It is essential that the healthcare team address these barriers individually through personalized, preferably demonstrative, counseling and that the family be included, as they are the ones who influence or reinforce these barriers and determine their practice.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo