Perspectives on breastfeeding management by South African speech-language therapists : a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Counselling, collaboration with mothers, and management of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia within the first few days of an infant’s life, results in favourable breastfeeding outcomes. Little is known about speech-language therapists’ perspectives and experience of breastfeeding management in lower- and middle-income settings. Research aim: The aim of the study was to describe speech-language therapists’ perspectives of their breastfeeding management. Method: A descriptive, phenomenological, qualitative research design was used, and data were analysed thematically. Twelve experienced South African speech-language therapists participated in structured online interviews, which were transcribed and coded using ATLAS.ti software. Results: Three themes were identified: i) Approach to breastfeeding management; ii) exposure, skills, and knowledge towards breastfeeding management; and iii) perspectives and attitudes towards breastfeeding management. Participants showed understanding of their scope and roles in breastfeeding management in accordance with well-known literature. Their approach appeared to be shaped by their perspectives and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, as well as exposure, skills, and knowledge about this phenomenon. A need for breastfeeding training was identified, at university, as well as for continuous professional development. Conclusion: Findings are based on a small sample of experienced clinicians but are likely to be valuable for speech-language pathology clinical educators and professional bodies. University training programs are called to re-evaluate curricula, to increase exposure to breastfeeding management. Key words: Breastfeeding management, perspectives, speech-language therapists, lower- and middle-income countries, qualitative research, structured inter-view schedule, phenomenology.