Maternal health literacy and experiences regarding breastfeeding complications

The world health organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants for 6 months and then continued breastfeeding until two years of age. However, lactation complications, including low milk supply and mastitis, are cited as some of the major reasons for premature cessation of breastfeeding. Women suffering from these lactation complications often report poor or conflicting advice from health care services, which can confuse and frustrate their attempts to continue to breastfeed and contribute to increased stressors at a vulnerable time for families. The aim of this study is to look at maternal health literacy levels and experience of mothers with breastfeeding complications in rural Victoria. This study will utilise surveys, focus groups and interviews of mothers, to elicit their experiences in this area. The location for this research project is flexible for most of the year.