Grant, Aimee, Jones, Sara, Williams, Kathryn, Leigh, Jennifer, Brown, Amy (2022) Autistic women’s views and experiences of infant feeding: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Autism, . ISSN 1362-3613. E-ISSN 1461-7005. (doi:10.1177/13623613221089374) (KAR id:94023)
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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221089374 |
Abstract
Low breastfeeding rates are driven by multiple bio-psycho-social factors. Experience of breastfeeding is known to differ by maternal demographic factors (age, education and ethnicity) but there is less recognition of factors such as neurodivergence. This review, prospectively registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021271465), systematically identified qualitative research, commentaries and personal accounts related to Autistic mothers and infant feeding. Database searching identified 1225 records, with thematic synthesis undertaken on 22 (eight peer-reviewed studies and 14 grey literature) pieces. Our analysis identified that maternity and infant feeding services were built on a lack of understanding of Autistic needs, and were often inaccessible at a time when Autistic mothers already felt a loss of control and lack of social support. Specifically relating to breastfeeding, knowledge and determination were often high, and a minority of mothers reported positive breastfeeding experiences. However, sensory challenges, pain and interoceptive differences (exacerbated by a lack of support) made breastfeeding impossible for some. Infant formula was viewed as second-best to breastmilk, but a minority of mothers found the ritual of preparing bottles of formula positive. There is an urgent need for maternity and infant feeding services to accommodate the needs of Autistic mothers, including service design and staff training.
Item Type: | Article |
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DOI/Identification number: | 10.1177/13623613221089374 |
Uncontrolled keywords: | autism, breastfeeding, infant feeding, maternity |
Subjects: |
H Social Sciences R Medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC553.A88 Autism. Asperger's syndrome |
Divisions: | Divisions > Directorate of Education > Centre for the Study of Higher Education |
Depositing User: | Jennifer Leigh |
Date Deposited: | 13 Apr 2022 07:58 UTC |
Last Modified: | 14 Apr 2022 08:26 UTC |
Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/94023 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
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