Qualitative Study of Breastfeeding Support by Public Health Nurses in Japan

This study aimed to explore breastfeeding support by public health nurses (PHNs) working in Japanese municipalities in order to promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment. We interviewed 20 participants including five PHNs, four midwives, four doctors (one obstetrician and three pediatricians), and seven mothers who experienced breastfeeding between June and August 2010 and analyzed the data using content analysis. Collected data were classified into four categories including “collecting information”, “assessment”, “direct and individual support”, and “support for group and community” with 15 subcategories: infant’s condition, mother’s condition, mother-infant relationship, child rearing environment, mother’s state-of-mind, identifying necessary support, psychological support, concrete support, breastfeeding on demand, necessary information, advice to supporters, introducing services, breastfeeding-friendly environment, breastfeeding support groups and cooperation with relevant organization. This study suggested that the PHNs’ responsibilities for breastfeeding support should be extended beyond the currently understood scope of their duties. The study demonstrated that PNH needed to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment that included networking with breast care support organizations and peer groups and to promote breastfeeding in public areas including the workplace.