The state of breastfeeding and self-care behavior aimed at maintaining and promoting breast milk secretion in mothers accompanying hospitalized infants

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The purpose of this study was to clarify the state of breastfeeding and self-care behavior aimed at maintaining and promoting breast milk secretion in nursing mothers accompanying hospitalized infants aged < 1 year via a questionnaire survey. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with mothers who agreed to participate regarding their thoughts on breastfeeding while accompanying their hospitalized infants and their state of mind.The survey and interviews revealed that mothers experience changes in the flow of breast milk and breast condition, have concerns about breastfeeding and the environment of accompaniment, and are subject to symptoms of poor physical condition and unbalanced food intake.Our findings based on mothers' thoughts on breastfeeding and their state of mind suggest the need to provide assistance and psychological support to mothers who are breastfeeding while accompanying their hospitalized infants to reduce their stress and facilitate continued breastfeeding.