Nursing Attire Suitable for Breastfeeding by Hospitalized Postpartum Mothers and Breast Care by Midwives

Abstract

This study aimed to propose nursing attire that enhances the quality and efficiency of breast care provided by midwives while ensuring that postpartum mothers can breastfeed comfortably and safely during hospitalization. This study compared the responses of 78 midwives and 63 postpartum mothers regarding nursing attire. In terms of the ease of breast exposure for breast care, “full front opening” and “yukata style” were rated highly by both groups. Nursing attire samples that postpartum mothers rated significantly higher were those with “nursing access.” A similar rating tendency was observed for the ease of breastfeeding. “Ease of breast exposure” was the most common choice in both groups as a factor they seek in nursing attire. Furthermore, both groups selected “snap buttons” as the suitable breastfeeding open- ing type, and “plastic slide fasteners” and “hook-and-loop fasteners” were selected as opening types that pose a risk to infants. Postpartum mothers preferred smaller breastfeeding openings compared with those preferred by midwives. This difference may be due to postpartum mothers’ sense of modesty and midwives’ need for ease of breast care. To meet the needs of both groups, future nursing attire designs should include adjustable breastfeeding openings.