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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Breastfeeding journeys and satisfaction with healthcare support among Estonian women: Experiences related to mastitis
1
Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences., Midwifery curriculum, Tallinn, Estonia
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A567
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Breastfeeding journeys can be strongly influenced by healthcare support, especially when challenges such as mastitis arise. Consistent and effective professional guidance — particularly from midwives — can help women overcome difficulties and continue breastfeeding as planned. This study explored the relationship between women’s breastfeeding journeys, experiences of mastitis, and satisfaction with healthcare services in Estonia.
OBJECTIVES:
To examine how experiences of mastitis and perceived healthcare support influence breastfeeding continuation and maternal satisfaction in Estonia.
METHODS:
A quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous online survey with open and closed questions. Convenience sampling recruited 127 women who had given birth and initiated breastfeeding; after applying eligibility criteria, data from 124 respondents were analysed. Quantitative data were analysed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
Most women who experienced mastitis (87.3%) continued breastfeeding after recovery, while 12.7% weaned earlier than intended. Mastitis often occurred within 12 weeks postpartum. Satisfaction with healthcare support was significantly linked to breastfeeding continuation (p = 0.00). Inconsistent information or insufficient support — especially from midwives — increased the likelihood of early weaning. The lowest support levels were reported during maternity hospital stays, where conflicting advice caused confusion. Clear, consistent guidance from healthcare providers — led by midwives — throughout maternity and postnatal care was crucial to sustaining breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS:
Strengthening midwives’ role in providing coordinated, collaborative, evidence-based breastfeeding support — starting in the maternity hospital and continuing through postnatal care — can positively influence breastfeeding journeys and reduce early weaning caused by mastitis. Clear and consistent midwifery guidance, in collaboration with other healthcare providers, is key to helping women overcome challenges and sustain breastfeeding.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives play a key role in supporting breastfeeding women through mastitis by providing consistent, collaborative guidance from maternity to postnatal care, helping prevent early weaning and promote positive experiences. Poster session 2 (Group A)
Breastfeeding journeys can be strongly influenced by healthcare support, especially when challenges such as mastitis arise. Consistent and effective professional guidance — particularly from midwives — can help women overcome difficulties and continue breastfeeding as planned. This study explored the relationship between women’s breastfeeding journeys, experiences of mastitis, and satisfaction with healthcare services in Estonia.
OBJECTIVES:
To examine how experiences of mastitis and perceived healthcare support influence breastfeeding continuation and maternal satisfaction in Estonia.
METHODS:
A quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous online survey with open and closed questions. Convenience sampling recruited 127 women who had given birth and initiated breastfeeding; after applying eligibility criteria, data from 124 respondents were analysed. Quantitative data were analysed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
Most women who experienced mastitis (87.3%) continued breastfeeding after recovery, while 12.7% weaned earlier than intended. Mastitis often occurred within 12 weeks postpartum. Satisfaction with healthcare support was significantly linked to breastfeeding continuation (p = 0.00). Inconsistent information or insufficient support — especially from midwives — increased the likelihood of early weaning. The lowest support levels were reported during maternity hospital stays, where conflicting advice caused confusion. Clear, consistent guidance from healthcare providers — led by midwives — throughout maternity and postnatal care was crucial to sustaining breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS:
Strengthening midwives’ role in providing coordinated, collaborative, evidence-based breastfeeding support — starting in the maternity hospital and continuing through postnatal care — can positively influence breastfeeding journeys and reduce early weaning caused by mastitis. Clear and consistent midwifery guidance, in collaboration with other healthcare providers, is key to helping women overcome challenges and sustain breastfeeding.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives play a key role in supporting breastfeeding women through mastitis by providing consistent, collaborative guidance from maternity to postnatal care, helping prevent early weaning and promote positive experiences. Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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