Abstract
Background. Motivation and goal setting can play a significant role in breastfeeding behaviour. Effective antenatal education has been recognised as a key component within breastfeeding decision-making. The inclusion of specific and relevant goals can increase self-efficacy and improve performance. Aim. To observe motivational influences communicated by midwives in breastfeeding instruction in a Thai cultural setting. Methods. A total of 75 hours of observation were completed in eight instructional environments. Field notes and a semi-structured observation schedule were implemented to identify cultural and motivational content of routine breastfeeding education. Goals were identified through a motivational framework. Findings. Key breastfeeding themes identified in the instruction included ‘Breast: the best option; Best for mum; Best for baby; and Best for Thais’. Further themes were ‘Start off well; Building confidence; Managing tough times; and The Thai way’. There were a significant number of goals and indicators within the instruction to allow women to achieve and measure success. Conclusion. Breastfeeding instruction offered within a supportive environment with clear goal structures and culturally relevant information appears to offer a motivationally positive environment for women to begin their breastfeeding journey.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 40-45 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Evidence Based Midwifery |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Jun 2017 |
Bibliographical note
This study was funded by the Vice Chancellor International Scholarship, Ulster University.Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 The Royal College of Midwives.
Keywords
- Adaptation
- Breastfeeding
- Context
- Culture
- Evidence-based midwifery
- Instruction
- Motivation
