“But Your Latch Looks Fine!” Understanding Breast and Chestfeeding Pain: Collaborative Research for Transformative Impact
Authors List
Godfrey, H. K., Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Calder-Dawe, E., Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Neely, E., Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Parata, C., New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance, Wellington, New Zealand
Introduction
Pain, both acute and persistent, during breast/chestfeeding is stigmatised and poorly understood. Pain and feeding difficulties are strongly associated with early breast/chestfeeding cessation, yet mainstream health promotion often places less emphasis on pain aspects of the feeding experience. Breast/chestfeeding pain research is also limited: existing studies are largely biomedical/epidemiological, with little attention to pain as lived experience.
Aims
Our aim is to elicit experiential insights regarding pain experiences and to understand the forms of support that could make a difference for breast/chestfeeders who experience pain and their whānau. We aim to shift understandings of breast/chestfeeding pain in clinical practice for transformative impact on breast/chestfeeding experiences, to support ‘the right fit’ between breast/chestfeeders’ needs and supports; with the intention of mobilising key findings with whānau, advocates and practitioners.
Methods
This project employed an online survey and arts-based workshops. Through collage, object exploration, and blackout poetry exercises, we engaged with breast/chestfeeders to elicit their experiences of breast/chestfeeding pain and collaboratively share their lived experiences of feeding pain and supports.
Results
Breast/chestfeeders shared a wide range of pain experiences. Difficulties are frequently exacerbated when pain is disbelieved and dismissed, particularly in the absence of tissue damage or a visibly “poor” latch.
Conclusions
We conclude that breast/chestfeeding pain is a source of considerable distress and difficulty. Strikingly, a modern understanding of pain appears to be missing from breast/chestfeeding support.
Godfrey, H. K., Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Calder-Dawe, E., Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Neely, E., Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Parata, C., New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance, Wellington, New Zealand
Introduction
Pain, both acute and persistent, during breast/chestfeeding is stigmatised and poorly understood. Pain and feeding difficulties are strongly associated with early breast/chestfeeding cessation, yet mainstream health promotion often places less emphasis on pain aspects of the feeding experience. Breast/chestfeeding pain research is also limited: existing studies are largely biomedical/epidemiological, with little attention to pain as lived experience.
Aims
Our aim is to elicit experiential insights regarding pain experiences and to understand the forms of support that could make a difference for breast/chestfeeders who experience pain and their whānau. We aim to shift understandings of breast/chestfeeding pain in clinical practice for transformative impact on breast/chestfeeding experiences, to support ‘the right fit’ between breast/chestfeeders’ needs and supports; with the intention of mobilising key findings with whānau, advocates and practitioners.
Methods
This project employed an online survey and arts-based workshops. Through collage, object exploration, and blackout poetry exercises, we engaged with breast/chestfeeders to elicit their experiences of breast/chestfeeding pain and collaboratively share their lived experiences of feeding pain and supports.
Results
Breast/chestfeeders shared a wide range of pain experiences. Difficulties are frequently exacerbated when pain is disbelieved and dismissed, particularly in the absence of tissue damage or a visibly “poor” latch.
Conclusions
We conclude that breast/chestfeeding pain is a source of considerable distress and difficulty. Strikingly, a modern understanding of pain appears to be missing from breast/chestfeeding support.
