Impact of support on breastfeeding duration in mothers with mammary hypoplasia/insufficient glandular tissue

Background: Mammary hypoplasia/insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) is a condition of underdevelopment of the glandular portion of the breast. This anatomy and physiology may prevent adequate breastmilk production to allow exclusive breastfeeding. Women with this condition often do not learn that there may be a problem until difficulties with breastfeeding arise. Perinatal healthcare providers and lactation support personnel are often at a loss for how to assist mothers with this condition, especially those who had hoped to exclusively breastfeed their infants. Objectives: To identify how providers have supported or failed to support mothers with hypoplasia/IGT to breastfeed their infants and what effect support has on breastfeeding duration among these mothers. Methods: Participants will be recruited via social media platforms (blogs, discussion forums, Facebook, Twitter) where breastfeeding mothers with hypoplasia convene for information and support. They will be asked to complete an online survey that includes: breastfeeding intentions and duration, challenges, successes, and sources of practical and emotional support. Approximately 400 surveys are expected to be collected during February/March 2013. Type of support will be examined relative to its impact on breastfeeding duration. Successful types and sources of support will also be identified. Conclusions: Results from this study will inform those who work with pregnant and postpartum mothers about how to address this issue, with the aim of reducing the number of infants who are prematurely weaned and increasing the number of mothers who are able to carry out their intentions to breastfeed.