Browsing by Author "Spencer, R."

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    Can solicited diaries provide a different insight into healthcare research: Researcher perspectives from a study of women's experiences of breastfeeding
    (RSN Publishing, 2016-01-22) Hinsliff-Smith, K.; Spencer, R.
    Background This paper discusses the use of diaries as a research tool to explore women's experiences of breastfeeding. Aim A phenomenological methodology was used to explore women's experiences of breastfeeding in the first 6-8 weeks after giving birth. The challenges and issues that can arise when using diaries are discussed here. Data sources The study was conducted in an East Midlands region of the UK. Volunteer pregnant primiparous women over 34 week's gestation were recruited to the study. In total 22 primigravid women completed a written diary for analysis. Mothers were encouraged to record something in their diary once a day about their infant feeding experience. Findings Using diaries provides a unique opportunity to capture the lived experiences of participants. In addition to being an accepted data collection method, the participants found the diaries acted as a reflective mechanism. Participants found that it allowed them an opportunity to describe their feelings and emotions, particularly if their infant feeding experiences was not as they had anticipated. Conclusions Diaries provide a useful insight into a social and health phenomenon that is often not captured in qualitative studies and are complementary to methods that are more commonly used, for example interviews. Diaries provide a unique opportunity for participants to share their lived experiences in a contemporaneous way and could be utilised more effectively in other qualitative or mixed methods health studies.
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    An exploration of infant feeding experiences of women in Lincolnshire in the early postnatal period
    (University of Nottingham, 2012-12) Spencer, R.; Hinsliff-Smith, K.; Walsh, D.
    Executive Summary Breastfeeding initiation and maintenance rates within Lincolnshire remain lower than the average for the East Midlands and England. Rates of initiation of breastfeeding at birth in 2010/2011 were 72% in Lincolnshire, compared to an initiation rate in England of 74%. The percentage of babies still being either partially or exclusively breastfed at 6 – 8 weeks dropped to 39% in Lincolnshire in comparison to 46% in England (NHS Lincolnshire, 2011). The purpose of this qualitative research was to gain an understanding of primigravid women‟s breastfeeding experience in the first 6 – 8 week postpartum period. Whilst valuable audit data is held on infant feeding methods in Lincolnshire, this research focuses on offering insights into the experiences of new mothers in order to better understand their feeding experiences and decisions, with a view to understanding differences in rates. The objectives of the study were: PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To describe women‟s experiences of breastfeeding SECONDARY OBJECTIVES To determine women‟s perceptions of breastfeeding To identify the factors that influence breastfeeding duration and cessation. The study used phenomenological principles to understand the lived experiences of the women. The study focused on women who were living in the county of Lincolnshire. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Nottingham and the National Research Ethics Committee. Two methods of data collection were used: Personal diaries 48 primigravid women over 34 weeks gestation were invited to complete detailed daily diaries of their infant feeding experiences in the 6 to 8 week postnatal period. 22 diaries were completed, a response rate of 46%. In-depth interviews A sub-sample of 13 women participated in a face-to-face interview which explored their infant feeding experiences and factors that affected their decision to continue or to discontinue breastfeeding. Data analysis utilised phenomenological principles that proceeded from coding to category development to themes.
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    Realities, difficulties, and outcomes for mothers choosing to breastfeed: Primigravid mothers experiences in the early postpartum period (6–8 weeks)
    (2013-10-09) Hinsliff-Smith, K.; Spencer, R.; Walsh, D.
    Objective: to develop an understanding of primiparous women's experiences and challenges of breast feeding in the early postpartum period at two BFI accredited hospitals in the East Midlands in the UK that has lower rates of sustained breast feeding. Design and setting: a hermeneutic or interpretive phenomenology study was conducted across two hospitals in the East Midlands, UK. Data collection: 22 primigravid women completed a daily written diary maintained for six weeks post birth. In addition, interviews were conducted with 13 women, nine who had completed a diary and four who did not return a diary but wanted to be interviewed, providing 26 different women's perspectives on their breast feeding experiences either from a diary or interview. Findings: three main themes emerged from the interviews and written diaries: (1) mothers experience a ‘roller coaster’ of emotions in relation to trying to establish breast feeding, (2) mothers perceive health care professionals as the ‘experts’ on breast feeding and (3) mothers had difficulties in breast feeding their infants in public, including in front of family and family and when away from their homes. Conclusions: women were ill prepared for the realities of breast feeding despite their antenatal intention to breast feed. Mothers had a preconceived idea that breast feeding would be ‘natural’ and without difficulty. When problems occurred, they perceived this to be a breast feeding problem and so choose artificial milk. Mothers require ongoing support to breast feed, especially in the early postpartum period, but more realistic messages about breast feeding need to be included. Implications for practice: there is a clear need for antenatal education to focus on preparing women for the realities of breast feeding, including newborn behaviour, which may affect women's perceptions of breast feeding. Local health care professionals need to draw upon national breast feeding strategies but develop a localised approach in order to address the regional variance.