The Pregnant Women's Decision-making Process about Their Infants Feeding Method

어머니의 수유방법에 관한 의사결정과정

The purpose of this study was done to explore the pregnant women's decision-making process about their infants feeding method. Data collection involved the in-depth unstructured interviews with 12 participants from January 1998 to January 1999. Data analysis was done by the grounded theory method. The 112 concepts, 29 sub-categories were confirmed in the analysis. The sub-categories were again grouped into 14 categories: expectation, situational condition, inevitability of breast-feeding, social recognition, self-awareness as mother, harmony, consideration, pursuit of ease, effect of external environments, lack of knowledge, hardening, the best choice, control, and bargain. " Adjustment through recognizing of motherhood" was the key category that was related to all categories. "Adjustment through recognizing of motherhood" was a process in which the mother became aware of mothering and sharing, and in which she considered herself or infant's needs and their priorities. This research will help nurse to understand mother's needs better. Therefore, nurse will be able to assist mother making the best decision for herself and her infant.