Mammors upplevelser av att tvillingamma: en metasyntes

Sammanfattning: Background: Breastfeeding twins implies that the mother breastfeeds children of the same age and the children can be breastfed either together or separately. There are many benefits with breastfeeding twins, including the fostering of attachment. Breastfeeding is often represented as a natural and easy process, however, many mothers find the experience to be challenging. Aim: This study aimed to describe how mothers experience breastfeeding twins. Method: The study was conducted through a meta synthesis where qualitative research was included. Searches for articles were made through the electronic databases PubMed and CINAHL. A total of ten scientific studies with qualitative design were included. Results: The results are based on four main themes; 1) Experiences of physically influential factors. The mothers experienced difficulties breastfeeding twins simultaneously and found it time-consuming. 2) Experiences of psychologically influential factors. The mothers felt insecure and were afraid that there wouldn’t be enough breastmilk for both twins. 3) Experiences of support from the surroundings. The support from the mothers’ partner and her surroundings was shown to be important and improved the conditions for breastfeeding the twins. Finally, 4) Experiences of the community's influence. The mothers experienced some benefits during hospitalisation with the twins but mostly disadvantages, which complicated the breastfeeding. Conclusion: Mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding twins were found to be both negative and positive as seen from a physical and psychological perspective. The results indicate the importance of support from the healthcare staff when breastfeeding, which further promotes the attachment between the mother and her children. The nurse has a significant role in encouraging the mother's self-efficacy, independence and motivation to breastfeed her twins for as long as the mother and the children wishes.