P-21 A Qualitative Exploration of Exclusive Breastfeeding: Perspectives of Healthcare and Childcare Providers and Policy Makers in Barbados

Methods: An interpretivist qualitative study was conducted (2019-2021) using audio-recorded one-on-one semi-structured interviews via Zoom by three trained female researchers. Breastfeeding mothers and other participants from public, private, and civil society healthcare and childcare sectors were recruited according to the principles of maximum variation. Saturation occurred at the 28th participant. This paper is a preliminary sub-analysis of the views of health and childcare professionals and policy makers. Interview audio was transcribed verbatim, and consistency of coding established using an agreed deductive coding frame. One researcher reviewed all transcripts creating completing rapid analysis summary notes while another researcher coded 50% of transcripts using Atlas ti for data management. Emerging thematic constructs were discussed and differences resolved.

Results: Ten females and one male with healthcare and childcare experience ranging from nine to 39 years, participated in the study. Participants’ perspectives identified that nursing mothers framed an inter-related four-phase exclusive breastfeeding experience, which was influenced by multiple factors operating at the four levels of the SocioEcological Model: personal, inter-personal (relationship), community and societal. The dominant emergent theme relevant to each model level, were maternal engagement; interpersonal influences; support mechanisms; and conflicting socio-cultural and policy norms, respectively.

Conclusion: Multiple inter-related socio-ecological factors influence the exclusive breastfeeding experience of mothers in Barbados. A re-invigorated, integrated approach addressing these factors could strengthen existing health system policies and practices to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Barbados.