Mothers Experiences of Public Breastfeeding in London
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mothers Experiences of Public Breastfeeding in London: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
179467
Contact name
Lucinda Hawkin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Due to breastfeeding in public having been acknowledged as a barrier to the maintenance of breastfeeding (Smyth, 2008) and the existing lack of in depth analysis exploring mothers experiences of breastfeeding in public in the UK (Spencer, 2008), this research aims to gain greater insight into this currently under researched area. This will be obtained through exploring the ease with which first time mothers feel able to breastfeed in public in London, the challenges they face, how these impact on them and their decisions to breastfeed and how they overcome such challenges. Semi structured interviews will be conducted with approximately 8 first time mothers who have experience of breastfeeding in public. Interviews will last around 1 hour and mothers will be recruited from Park Medical GP Surgery in Surrey Quays, London. Data will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Such in depth insight into mothers' personal experiences will enhance understanding and subsequently enable interventions, particularly in London, to be tailored to the required need. Enhanced knowledge and understanding around breastfeeding in public can also help to determine whether issues around breastfeeding in public may be contributing to the low maintenance rates evident in the UK. This research is not funded and is being conducted as part of a Health Psychology Doctorate.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0794
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion