Understanding maternal breastfeeding confidence: a Gadamerian hermeneutic analysis of women's stories

Our aim in this Gadamerian hermeneutic study was to understand maternal breastfeeding confidence and its meaning through listening to women's voices describing their experiences within the context of the United States. We asked 13 women, aged 23 to 42 years, who had breastfed a child within the last 2 years to tell us their breastfeeding stories. Women experienced maternal breastfeeding confidence as a dynamic interaction between their expectations, their infant(')s breastfeeding behavior, and sources of support. They described experiences that enhanced or diminished their confidence. Health professionals can use these findings to plan approaches that promote and support maternal breastfeeding confidence.