Gama Muja A, McEachran Jacki L, Warden Ashleigh H, Ireland Demelza J, Geddes Donna T, Perrella Sharon L, Gridneva Zoya
School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
ABREAST Network, Perth, WA 6000, Australia.
Nutrients. 2025 May 14;17(10):1669. doi: 10.3390/nu17101669.
: Breastfeeding multiple birth infants (MBIs) poses unique challenges that require tailored support; however, research on these mothers' experiences is limited. This study explored the breastfeeding journeys of Australian mothers of MBIs, highlighting barriers, facilitators, and support needs. : Data were collected via an online survey (May-August 2024) and included quantitative data on breastfeeding initiation, duration, and challenges, as well as qualitative insights into mothers' experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes, and statistical analyses were used to compare breastfeeding outcomes by parity. : While most mothers (87%) had an antenatal intention to breastfeed, they faced barriers such as latching difficulties (56%), inadequate milk supply (49%), and sore nipples (47%). Preterm births (58%) and neonatal unit admissions delayed the breastfeeding initiation. Most mothers (99%) used electric breast pumps to boost milk supply (68%) and enable expressed breast milk feeding by other caregivers (65% of mothers). While 72% were satisfied with hospital breastfeeding support and some mothers received excellent hands-on support, others felt neglected due to busy staff or conflicting advice. Mothers frequently reported that breastfeeding guidance was geared toward singletons, leaving them unprepared for the challenges of feeding multiples. Mothers' suggestions for improving care included specialised guidance, better access to lactation support, and in-home practical support to alleviate the burden of feeding and expressing. Additionally, mothers reported that healthcare professionals should be trained to offer practical, non-judgemental support to help mothers navigate the elaborate challenges of breastfeeding MBIs. : This study underscores the need for early postpartum support and tailored guidelines to enhance MBI breastfeeding outcomes and maternal-infant well-being.
母乳喂养多胞胎婴儿（MBIs）带来了独特的挑战，需要量身定制的支持；然而，关于这些母亲经历的研究有限。本研究探讨了澳大利亚多胞胎婴儿母亲的母乳喂养历程，突出了障碍、促进因素和支持需求。
数据通过在线调查（2024年5月至8月）收集，包括关于母乳喂养开始、持续时间和挑战的定量数据，以及对母亲经历的定性见解。采用主题分析来确定关键主题，并使用统计分析按胎次比较母乳喂养结果。
虽然大多数母亲（87%）产前有母乳喂养的意愿，但她们面临诸如 latch困难（56%）、奶水供应不足（49%）和乳头疼痛（47%）等障碍。早产（58%）和新生儿入住新生儿病房延迟了母乳喂养的开始。大多数母亲（99%）使用电动吸奶器来增加奶水供应（68%），并使其他护理人员能够进行母乳亲喂（65%的母亲）。虽然72%的母亲对医院的母乳喂养支持感到满意，一些母亲得到了出色的实际支持，但另一些母亲因工作人员繁忙或建议相互矛盾而感到被忽视。母亲们经常报告说，母乳喂养指导是针对单胞胎的，这使她们对喂养多胞胎的挑战毫无准备。母亲们对改善护理的建议包括专门的指导、更好地获得泌乳支持以及家庭实际支持，以减轻喂养和挤奶的负担。此外，母亲们报告说，医疗保健专业人员应接受培训，提供实际的、不带评判的支持，以帮助母亲应对母乳喂养多胞胎婴儿的复杂挑战。
本研究强调了产后早期支持和量身定制的指南对于提高多胞胎婴儿母乳喂养结果和母婴健康的必要性。
