Nahid Maleki, Mohaddeseh Bakhshi, Khadigeh Mirzaei, Malihe Rezvanifard,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Breastfeeding is a health promotion priority due to its short‑term and long‑term health implications for both mothers and infants. However, breastfeeding rates have consistently declined worldwide. Therefore, the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding are considered public health priorities. This study aimed to explore the educational needs of breastfeeding mothers to inform the management and optimization of educational‑consultative services.
Methods & Materials: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in five health centers and four hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. A total of 25 breastfeeding mothers, 2 family members, and 9 health personnel were selected through purposive sampling and participated in semi‑structured in‑depth interviews. Sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using the Elo and Kingas approach with the assistance of MAXQDA 2010 software. Trustworthiness was established based on Guba and Lincoln's criteria.
Results: The category of "educational‑consultative services" emerged from the analysis, which comprised two main subcategories: "management and optimization of education" and "comprehensive consultative services". These two subcategories reflected the perceived educational and consultative needs of mothers, encompassing five sub‑subcategories: "the need for education at the appropriate time and place", "the need for combined educational approaches", "the need for breastfeeding counseling", "the need for psychological counseling during breastfeeding", and "the need for sexual counseling during breastfeeding".
Conclusion: Mothers require educational‑consultative services to sustain breastfeeding. Addressing these needs in the planning and management of educational‑consultative services can contribute to the optimization of breastfeeding care.
