More than "Just Breastfeeding": a qualitative study on Indian mothers' experiences of maternal autonomy and stress in infant feeding decisions.

Introduction: Women's autonomy in infant feeding decisions is a fundamental element in maternal mental health, which is often disrupted by external factors like societal expectations, cultural norms, and institutional policies. The informed decisions made by the mothers in feeding their infants are often not made in a private environment, and they are not refrained from judgments and coercion. Methodology: This qualitative study analysed 11 mothers' narratives of their infant feeding experiences through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The participants gave individual informed consent for the interview, and the sessions were recorded with the participants' consent. The collected narratives were summarised using thematic analysis, and the recorded interviews were transcribed into English. Findings: The thematic analysis revealed key themes like (1) Pregnancy Expectation vs. Postpartum Reality, (2) External Criticism from Family and Peers, (3) Emotional and Physiological Burden of Breastfeeding, and (4) Structural Barriers and Workplace Expectations. Discussion: The findings of the study highlight the interplay of external factors that influence the mother's feeding practices and decisions, which exacerbate maternal mental health. The findings reveal a crucial contrast between maternal reality and expectations, which are shaped by cultural beliefs and societal norms. The study supports the need to address these realistic challenges, which demand a supportive community, empathetic healthcare practices and structural reforms that will uplift women's autonomy and maternal mental health.