External success factors for induced lactation among non-puerperal adoptive mothers in Malaysia

Abstract

Induced lactation is a method of producing milk without prior pregnancy and birth. Non-puerperal women are capable to stimulate the production of her breast milk. Theoretically, the intention of adoptive nursing can be accomplished with a combination of medical protocols and specific stimulus techniques. Although the success rate for induced lactation is still low, but there are a handful of adoptive mothers that have been successful in their efforts. The aim of this study is to examine the external success factors of induced lactation among adoptive mothers. This study used a qualitative research design. A total of 12 non-puerperal Muslim females who had successfully nursed their foster children following induced lactation methods participating in the study. Methods of data collection was semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using QSR NVivo software version 10 using the technique of content analysis, analysis of word-based and code-based analysis. Data analysis discovered that factors driving the success of the adoptive nursing are support system; advice and consultancy; equipments; time management; and diet and nutrition. The rising awareness as well as strong desire to adoptive nursing among foster families reveal that the needs of more rigorous research and publications focusing on this matter. This contribution helps to boost the flourishing of the practice of adoptive nursing particularly among Muslim community. This study adds to the literature that management of induced lactation process is not solely depends on medication and stimulation techniques but also includes the internal and external factors. Therefore, this paper illustrates several case of adoptive nursing among non-puerperal females in order to prove their accomplishment.