Breastfeeding Experience of Mothers with Multiple Babies: A Phenomenological Study

Objective: To determine the needs and underline the experiences of mothers by focusing on the experiences of mothers with multiple babies during their breastfeeding period. Methods: This is a phenomenological, qualitative study. A total of 13 mothers with three - to 13-month-old babies were interviewed in-depth and individually. The data were collected by a single observer with a personal information form containing individual characteristics of the participants and an interview form with semi-structured, open-ended questions. Results: The three main themes formed based on the interviews with mothers were the meaning of being a mother with multiple babies and breastfeeding them, challenging life experiences during breastfeeding, and the factors that affect motivation. The majority of the mothers expressed feelings including concern, fear, guilt, and frustration. All mothers stated that, after delivery, they needed a knowledgeable and dependable helper preferably not from the family and that they experienced conflicts in their relationships. Conclusion: It is important to maintain social, emotional, and physical support for mothers with multiple babies. Similarly, avoiding judgmental, questioning, and accusing expressions is essential to circumvent conflicts in relationships. It is recommended for mothers' concerns to be addressed according to the source of the concern and for breastfeeding education content to be prepared accordingly. Each mother should be evaluated individually, and care plans and consultations should be prepared accordingly.