Table 3 Characteristics of included studies
Author, year | Location (Rurality) | No. & type of participants (gender) | Indigenous Participants % | Age Groups (years) | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eades et al.,2000 [37] | Urban Western Australia | 274 mothers (female) | 100% | Not provided | Factors supporting breastfeeding: knowing it is best for baby, cheaper, convenient; previous breastfeeding experiences; and advice from health professionals. Factors constraining breastfeeding: fear baby is not getting enough milk; breast problems, mother stressed/sick/tired/shamed; mothers’ preference; and maternal smoking. |
Foley et al., 2013 [38] | Urban Queensland | 21 parents (20 female; 1 male) | 100% Female Unsure of male | Not provided | Factors supporting breastfeeding: infant feeding strategies developed to fit within social circumstances; enjoying closeness with baby, support in hospital. Factors constraining breastfeeding: pain, frustration, difficult birth, feeding problems, concern about milk supply, nurse offering formula; and lack of breastfeeding support in hospital. |
Foley et al., 2016 [39] | Urban Queensland | 20 mothers (female) | 100% | 16–39 | Factors supporting breastfeeding: empathetic, trusting relationships with health professionals, continuity of care, proactive health sector support, home visits/phone calls, tailoring advice to mother’/infants’ specific needs. Factors constraining breastfeeding: lack of breastfeeding support in hospital, care where no relationship established. |
Helps et al., 2015 [40] | Rural New South Wales | 15: 8 first time mothers, 5 Aboriginal health workers, 2 community breastfeeding champions (female) | 100% | 18–26 | Factors supporting breastfeeding: knowing breastfeeding is the best thing for baby, cheaper, easier for night feeding and promotes weight loss. Family and community support for breastfeeding. Factors constraining breastfeeding: lack of knowledge about breastfeeding, normalisation of formula feeding, marketing of toddler formula, overcrowded housing, shame about breastfeeding in public. |
Holmes et al., 1997 [41] | Urban Victoria | Approx. 35 Parents, pregnant women, men (male and female) | Not clearly stated | 17–52 | Factors supporting breastfeeding: belief that it is a natural, accepted and a traditional practice, cost. Factors constraining breastfeeding: embarrassment about feeding in public, normalisation of formula perception that breastfeeding is inconvenient; belief that formula is as good as breastmilk; sore nipples; worries about milk supply; jealous partners. |
Kruske et al., 2012 [42] | Remote Northern Territory | 15 mothers (female) | 100% | 15–29 | Breastfeeding commonplace and babies rarely offered solid foods before 8 or 9 months of age. Factors influencing infant feeding: traditional childrearing practices, kinship relationships, cultural practices and beliefs. |
Myers et al., 2014 [43] | Rural/Urban Victoria | 35 parents (13 female; 22 male) 45 early childhood practitioners (predominantly female) | 75% | Not provided | Factors supporting breastfeeding: knowing it is best for baby, cheaper, enjoy bonding with baby, support from Aboriginal health service/ Aboriginal health workers. Factors constraining breastfeeding: reliance on sweet drinks and bottles, unsupportive/jealous partners; shame/embarrassment. |