Concept Analysis of Maternal Breastfeeding Autonomy

Purpose: Breastfeeding is an important public health policy globally. Breastfeeding helps babies survive and thrive and is also beneficial to women's long-term health. Autonomy is an important factor that promotes individual self-determination. The initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding ultimately depend on the autonomy of the mother. However, there is still a lack of research on women's breastfeeding autonomy in foreign countries, and there is currently a lack of literature on the concept of breastfeeding autonomy in Taiwan.
Methods: We reviewed the conceptual definitions of maternal breastfeeding autonomy -including conceptual definitions, characteristics, antecedents, and consequences, constructing examples, and empirical references - according to the concept analysis methodology by Walker and Avant.
Results: Our results indicate that the defining attributes of maternal breastfeeding autonomy include: 1, breastfeeding weighing and benefit consideration; 2, conscious emotional demand for breastfeeding; 3, Breastfeeding decision-making ability; and 4, presentation of the maternal role.
Conclusion: We hope that this article will help healthcare professionals better understand maternal breastfeeding autonomy, further expand related care issues on this concept, and then facilitate development of more appropriate and demanded breastfeeding care measures to promote and support breastfeeding.