Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR): A Descriptive Study.

Morns, MA; Steel, AE; McIntyre, E; Burns, E

Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR): A Descriptive Study.

Morns, MA Steel, AE McIntyre, E Burns, E

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Publisher:: Wiley
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: J Midwifery Womens Health, 2023
Issue Date:: 2023-04-17

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Morns, MA
dc.contributor.author	Steel, AE
dc.contributor.author	McIntyre, E
dc.contributor.author	Burns, E
dc.date.accessioned	2023-05-28T02:03:49Z
dc.date.available	2023-01-05
dc.date.available	2023-05-28T02:03:49Z
dc.date.issued	2023-04-17
dc.identifier.citation	J Midwifery Womens Health, 2023
dc.identifier.issn	1526-9523
dc.identifier.issn	1542-2011
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170492
dc.description.abstract	INTRODUCTION: For many women, breastfeeding their infant is an enjoyable experience. Some, however, have reported negative sensations such as an overwhelming need to unlatch while breastfeeding. This phenomenon is known as breastfeeding aversion response (BAR). The incidence of BAR is unknown and literature on this experience is limited. This study therefore aimed to expand the understanding of BAR using an online survey targeting those who have experienced feelings of aversion while breastfeeding. METHODS: An online survey was distributed within Australia using purposive sampling to those who self-identified as experiencing BAR. This survey contained 5 sections: (1) demographics and health-related characteristics, (2) breastfeeding difficulties and onset of BAR, (3) the experience of BAR, (4) birth and breastfeeding experience, and (5) coping with BAR and support. Questions were included to test the generalizability of previous qualitative findings on BAR. RESULTS: Participants (N = 210) predominantly were aged between 25 and 35 years (69.2%), were in a relationship (96.2%), and had one child (80%). BAR was more commonly experienced when feeding the first-born child (44.8%), breastfeeding while pregnant (31%), or tandem feeding (10%). The feelings of aversion were experienced by most respondents throughout the feed while the child was latched (76.7%). More than half (52.4%) of participants reported that BAR had caused them to end breastfeeding sessions before their child was ready to stop feeding. Almost half of the participants (48.6%) reported receiving no support from a health care provider for BAR. DISCUSSION: This study contributes new information about the experience of BAR, including when it commonly happens and who may be at greater risk. More support is needed for women who want to breastfeed while experiencing BAR. New public health policies which promote breastfeeding are needed to help women achieve satisfying breastfeeding experiences and meet their own breastfeeding goals.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Wiley
dc.relation.ispartof	J Midwifery Womens Health
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/jmwh.13474
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	1110 Nursing, 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine, 1117 Public Health and Health Services
dc.subject.classification	Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
dc.title	Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR): A Descriptive Study.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	United States
utslib.for	1110 Nursing
utslib.for	1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Public Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2023-05-28T02:03:46Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: For many women, breastfeeding their infant is an enjoyable experience. Some, however, have reported negative sensations such as an overwhelming need to unlatch while breastfeeding. This phenomenon is known as breastfeeding aversion response (BAR). The incidence of BAR is unknown and literature on this experience is limited. This study therefore aimed to expand the understanding of BAR using an online survey targeting those who have experienced feelings of aversion while breastfeeding. METHODS: An online survey was distributed within Australia using purposive sampling to those who self-identified as experiencing BAR. This survey contained 5 sections: (1) demographics and health-related characteristics, (2) breastfeeding difficulties and onset of BAR, (3) the experience of BAR, (4) birth and breastfeeding experience, and (5) coping with BAR and support. Questions were included to test the generalizability of previous qualitative findings on BAR. RESULTS: Participants (N = 210) predominantly were aged between 25 and 35 years (69.2%), were in a relationship (96.2%), and had one child (80%). BAR was more commonly experienced when feeding the first-born child (44.8%), breastfeeding while pregnant (31%), or tandem feeding (10%). The feelings of aversion were experienced by most respondents throughout the feed while the child was latched (76.7%). More than half (52.4%) of participants reported that BAR had caused them to end breastfeeding sessions before their child was ready to stop feeding. Almost half of the participants (48.6%) reported receiving no support from a health care provider for BAR. DISCUSSION: This study contributes new information about the experience of BAR, including when it commonly happens and who may be at greater risk. More support is needed for women who want to breastfeed while experiencing BAR. New public health policies which promote breastfeeding are needed to help women achieve satisfying breastfeeding experiences and meet their own breastfeeding goals.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170492