ADAPTIVE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT TECHNIQUES FOR MOTHERS WITH DISABILITIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31983/jahmt.v7i1.12795Keywords:
Breastfeeding, Disability, Techniques, Breastfeeding, Disability, TechniquesAbstract
Breastfeeding is recommended because of its many benefits for both mother and baby. For mothers who have limitations breastfeeding, breastfeeding is difficult to do but also not impossible to do. The purpose of this study is to identify breastfeeding techniques used by mothers who have physical limitations based on existing literature. Literature search methods were conducted on scientific sites such as ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Elsiver, NCBI, DOAJ, Proquest, Microsoft Academic, Sage Journal, Oxford Academic, LIPI, ResearceGate, JSTOR and Scrib.id using the keywords breastfeeding and disability. The search results obtained 234 articles but only 7 articles were used and described breastfeeding techniques for mothers with disabilities and other articles that were eliminated were not used because they did not describe breastfeeding techniques for mothers with disabilities. This article presents a literature review on breastfeeding techniques in mothers with disabilities. Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to provide nutrition to babies, but mothers with disabilities often face additional challenges that can affect their ability to breastfeed effectively. In this article, various relevant studies and research are analyzed to identify the challenges, needs, as well as solutions that have been developed to support mothers with disabilities in the breastfeeding process. The main focus of this review is on specific techniques that can make it easier for mothers with physical or cognitive disabilities to breastfeed, including the use of assistive devices, modification of breastfeeding positions, and the role of social and medical support. These findings demonstrate the importance of an inclusive and personalized approach to providing support to mothers with disabilities, as well as the need for more responsive health policies to ensure equal access to maternal health services. This article also underlines the need for further research to develop practical guidelines that can be applied in a variety of contexts.References
1. Ablett LH, Hopper H, Maslin S. How to promote exclusive breastfeeding with antenatal milk expression and implementation science: A mixed methods systematic review. Heal Sci Rev [Internet]. 2023;9:100124. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hsr.2023.100124
2. Alahmed S, Win K, Frost S, Al A, Fernandez R, Meedya S. Nurse Education in Practice Cultural and linguistic appropriateness of a web-based breastfeeding educational resource for Saudi women: Consensus development conference approach. Nurse Educ Pract [Internet]. 2023;71(July):103717. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103717
4. Andrews EE, Powell RM, Ayers KB. Experiences of Breastfeeding among Disabled Women. Womens Heal Issues [Internet]. 2021;31(1):829. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2020.09.001
5. Arezi E, Maleki A, Jafari E. Heliyon Investigating the influence of family-oriented counselling on breastfeeding continuity in mothers experiencing distractions: A randomized controlled trial. Heliyon [Internet]. 2024;10(9):e30687. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30687
6. Baker P, Smith JP, Garde A, Grummer-Strawn LM, Wood B, Sen G, et al. The political economy of infant and young child feeding: confronting corporate power, overcoming structural barriers, and accelerating progress. Lancet. 2023;401(10375):50324.
7. Barral PE, Scotta AV, Gema M, Expsito CID, Miranda AR. l P re r f. Clin Nutr Open Sci [Internet]. 2025; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutos.2025.03.002
8. Blair A, Cao J, Wilson A, Homer C. Access to , and experiences of , maternity care for women with physical disabilities: A scoping review. Midwifery [Internet]. 2022;107:103273. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2022.103273
9. Bowdler S, Nielsen W, Meedya S, Salamonson Y. Nurse Education in Practice Applying Legitimation Code Theory to teach breastfeeding in nurse education: A case study. Nurse Educ Pract [Internet]. 2023;72(May):103780. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103780
10. Boyer K. Health & Place Affect , corporeality and the limits of belonging : Breastfeeding in public in the contemporary UK. Health Place [Internet]. 2012;18(3):55260. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.01.010
11. Bozlak CT, Ruland L, Eskew B, Spence M, Dennison BA. Breastfeeding disparities and recommended strategies to end them in New York. 2024;47(April).
12. Brown HK, Pablo L, Scime N V., Aker AM, Dennis CL. Maternal disability and initiation and duration of breastfeeding: analysis of a Canadian cross-sectional survey. Int Breastfeed J [Internet]. 2023;18(1):18. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00608-7
13. Brown HK, Taylor C, Vigod SN, Dennis CL, Fung K, Chen S, et al. Disability and in-hospital breastfeeding practices and supports in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study. Lancet Public Heal [Internet]. 2023;8(1):e4756. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(22)00310-3
14. Brown HK, Taylor C, Vigod SN, Dennis C lee, Fung K, Chen S, et al. Articles Disability and in-hospital breastfeeding practices and supports in Ontario , Canada: a population-based study. Lancet Public Heal [Internet]. 2023;8(1):e4756. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(22)00310-3
15. Davra K, Chavda P, Pandya C, Dave D, Mehta K. Breastfeeding position and attachment practices among lactating mothers: An urban community-based cross-sectional study from Vadodara city in western India. Clin Epidemiol Glob Heal [Internet]. 2022;15(July 2021):101009. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101009
16. Deng Y, Wu L, Cao L, Zhao H, Song R. Jo ur na l P f. Women Child Nurs [Internet]. 2025; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wcn.2025.01.002
17. Diab SY, Mervi V. Infant Behavior and Development Maternal and foetal exposure to potentially toxic metals of modern weaponry and infant cognitive , sensorimotor , and socioemotional development: The role of breastfeeding. 2025;79(December 2023).
18. Dobija L, Pereira B, Cohen-aknine G, Roren A, Dupeyron A, Coudeyre E. Heliyon Immediate effect of passive hamstring stretching on flexibility and relationship with psychosocial factors in people with chronic low back pain. Heliyon [Internet]. 2023;9(9):e19753. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19753
19. Durocher K, Jackson KT, Booth R, Tryphonopoulos P, Kennedy KA. Scoping Review of Women Experiences of Breastfeeding Associated With Maternity Care in Hospitals That Implement Baby-Friendly Policies. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs [Internet]. 2025;54(2):176-188.e29. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2024.11.005
20. Elisabeth Fossli M, Rasmussen KM, Winkvist A, Beate FL, Holven KB, et al. Effects of Breastfeeding Promotion Intervention and Dietary Treatment in Postpartum Women with Overweight and Obesity: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial on Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. 2024;154(March):244858.
21. Faure C, Sidahmed-mezi M, Ferrero L, Aboud C, Roccaro G, Hermeziu O, et al. Successful breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery or mastopexy: A retrospective comparative study re. 2024;69:30714.
22. Fox EL, Pelto GH, Bar H, Rasmussen KM, Young SL, Debrosse MG, et al. Capturing Changes in HIV-Infected Breastfeeding Mothers Cognitive Processes from Before Delivery to 5 Months Postpartum: An Application of the Pile-Sorting Technique in Haiti. Curr Dev Nutr [Internet]. 2018;2(6):nzy017. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzy017
23. Ho HMY, Fan HSL, Hu GH, Nagesh N, Ip HL, Leung ETY, et al. Effectiveness of layperson-based interventions in promoting exclusive breastfeeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud [Internet]. 2024;160(2024):104894. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104894
24. Huang X, Chen J, Liu P. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Assessing chemical exposure risk in breastfeeding infants: An explainable machine learning model for human milk transfer prediction. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf [Internet]. 2025;289(January):117707. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117707
25. Ibu J. Jurnal Ibu dan Anak. Volume 7, Nomor 1, Mei 2019 10. 2019;7:106.
26. Knold H, Maria I, Nilsson S, Kristine A, Forman L, Strandberg-larsen K, et al. Nurse Education in Practice Strengthening health visitors breastfeeding support: Results from a cluster randomised study. Nurse Educ Pract [Internet]. 2024;78(March):104033. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104033
27. Kramuschke M, Linde K, Lehnig F, Nagl M, Dennis C lee, Kersting A. Psychometric assessment of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale short form: An alternative german translation. Midwifery [Internet]. 2025;144(February):104348. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2025.104348
28. Penerapan D, Fifo M. , 2 1,2. 2023;(January 2019):1723.
29. Warkentin T, Hermann S, Watson J, Berndl A. 297: Breastfeeding strategies used by women with physical disabilities. Am J Obstet Gynecol [Internet]. 2019;220(1):S209. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2018.11.318
30. Luque-reca O, Agudo-daz L, Kestler-peleg M, Pe C. Reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale ( BMS ). An approach to maternal mental health through psychological factors. 2025;141(November 2024).
31. Mainwaring JM, Jankowsky J, Nixon K, Ryan M, Savin M. Current Anesthesia-Related Breastfeeding Recommendations. J PeriAnesthesia Nurs [Internet]. 2024;39(4):5137. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2023.11.008
32. Michaud-l I, Gayard M, Wassef J, Likhite N, Dain A sophie Le, Laillou A, et al. Stronger with Breastmilk Only Initiative in 5 African Countries: Case Study on the Implementation Process and Contribution to the Enabling Environment for Breastfeeding. 2023;7(August).
33. Oliver-Roig A, Rico-Juan JR, Richart-Martnez M, Cabrero-Garca J. Predicting exclusive breastfeeding in maternity wards using machine learning techniques. Comput Methods Programs Biomed [Internet]. 2022;221:106837. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106837
34. Ozerdo N. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology¯: X Workplace breastfeeding support for working women: A scale development study. 2023;20(August).
35. Perillan C, Coto A, Arguelles J, Nu P. Study of the impact of multiple sclerosis on the reproductive life of Spanish women: An online survey. 2024;90(April).
36. Ramiro A, Eugenia P, Veronica A, Valentina M, Andr E. An overview of reviews of breastfeeding barriers and facilitators: Analyzing global research trends and hotspots. 2025;9(November 2024).
37. Ravishankar N, Joseph M, Shashidhara S. Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding ( EBF ) in Empowered Action Group ( EAG ) states and Assam. Clin Epidemiol Glob Heal [Internet]. 2020;8(1):1704. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2019.06.008
38. Ryan RA, Hepworth AD, Bihuniak JD, Lyndon A. Research Article A Qualitative Study of Breastfeeding Experiences Among Mothers Who Used Galactagogues to Increase Their Milk Supply. J Nutr Educ Behav [Internet]. 2024;56(3):12232. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2023.12.002
39. Sabilla M, Dwi A, Megatsari H. Determine the promotion target of exclusive breastfeeding among poor families in Indonesia. 2025;32(January).
40. Samira S, Vasilevski V, Sweet L. Breastfeeding and pre-pregnancy bariatric surgery¯: A scoping review Problem: Women and Birth [Internet]. 2024;37(3):101600. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101600
41. Selma-royo M, Manara S, Segata N, Collado MC. Article Birthmode and environment-dependent microbiota transmission dynamics are complemented by breastfeeding during the first year Birthmode and environment-dependent microbiota transmission dynamics are complemented by breastfeeding during the first ye.
42. Shenhav L, Fehr K, Reyna ME, Subbarao P, Surette MG, Azad MB. Article Microbial colonization programs are structured by breastfeeding and guide healthy respiratory development ll ll Microbial colonization programs are structured by breastfeeding and guide healthy respiratory development. Cell [Internet]. 2024;187(19):5431-5452.e20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.07.022
43. Shipton E V, Foxcroft K, Callaway L, Lee N. Butterflies in the air , you re now a breastfeeding mother : A qualitative study of women experiences receiving postnatal midwifery breastfeeding support. Women and Birth [Internet]. 2025;38(1):101859. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101859
44. Stein E, Dixon K, Burns E. They painted a rosy view , but I would have preferred to hear the reality - Australian women experiences of antenatal breastfeeding education. 2025;38(January).
45. Vila-candel R, Franco-antonio C, Quesada A, Soriano-vidal FJ. Effects of a mobile application on breastfeeding maintenance in the first 6 months after birth: Randomised controlled trial ( COMLACT study ) . 2024;128(October 2023).
46. Waitt C, Gribble K, Waitt P, Imani-Musimwa P, Liang C, Ververs M. Scarcity of research on breastfeeding and Ebola diseases is placing the lives of women and infants at risk: a call to specific action. Lancet Glob Heal [Internet]. 2025;13(2):e36471. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00445-5
47. Wu N, Wang Y, Ding L, Xu Y, Jia X, Huo K, et al. Breastfeeding trajectory of mothers of preterm infants within 6 months postpartum: A longitudinal study. Int J Nurs Stud Adv. 2025;8(February).
Additional Files
Published
Versions
- 2026-02-12 (2)
- 2025-04-30 (1)






