Barriers and Facilitators for Exclusive Breastfeeding in Women's Biopsychosocial Spheres According to Primary Care Midwives in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain).

(1) The objective of our study is to determine, from a primary care midwife's perspective, which biopsychosocial factors can favour or be detrimental to exclusive breast feeding. (2) The study was carried out in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) and is based on qualitative methodology. Twenty in-depth interviews were carried out with midwives working in primary care centres in Tenerife, using a content analysis approach. The transcript data was then encoded following an inductive approach. (3) According to the perceptions of the primary care midwives who were interviewed, the barriers and facilitators that influence exclusive breastfeeding related to the biopsychosocial spheres of women are, at an individual level, the physical and emotional aspects during the postnatal period; at the relationship level, the presence or not of support from the close family and partner; at the community level, the environment and social networks the new mothers may have; and at the work level, characteristics of jobs and early return to work. (4) The findings of our research can help healthcare professionals to approach the promotion and encouragement of exclusive breast feeding at each of the levels studied, with the aim of increasing rates following recommendations issued by The World Health Organization.

Barriers and Facilitators for Exclusive Breastfeeding within the Health System and Public Policies from In-Depth Interviews to Primary Care Midwives in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain).

The aim of this study is to describe the perspectives of Primary Care midwives regarding factors that benefit or are detrimental to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) within the health system and public policies. The study was carried out in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) and is based on qualitative methodology. Twenty in-depth interviews were carried out with midwives who work in Primary Care centres in Tenerife, using a content analysis approach. The transcript data were then encoded following an inductive approach. The factors, according to midwives, that affect EBF, with regard to the healthcare system, are related to training of healthcare professionals in breastfeeding and their support to women during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care. Regarding public policies, midwives believe the maternity leave periods in Spain, together with a lack of laws and social policies to protect EBF are detrimental. The findings from our study show that there is a need to boost training and the role of professionals in EBF and, at the same time, promote protective policies that foster equality, favouring, among other issues, the work-life balance.