Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42699153›Full record

ArticleRwanda journal of medicine and health sciences2026

Breastfeeding with Extra Care: A Qualitative Insight of Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome in Rwanda.

Joselyne Rugema, Eric Matsiko, Donatilla Mukamana, Leon Mutesa

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Joselyne RugemaSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Eric MatsikoHuman Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Donatilla MukamanaSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Leon MutesaHuman Genetics, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding children with Down syndrome (DS) is challenging due to the infants' physiological characteristics and increased caregiving demands. Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, remains limited. This study aimed to explore the breastfeeding experience and coping strategies among mothers of children with DS in Rwanda. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 23 purposively selected mothers of children with DS. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and meanings within mothers' breastfeeding experiences. Results: Four main categories and eight subcategories emerged: 1. challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, 2. physical and time-related burdens, 3. emotional challenges and distress among mothers, and 4. coping strategies to sustain breastfeeding. Mothers reported delayed initiation of breastfeeding, shortened breastfeeding episodes due to persistent feeding difficulties, increased time demands, physical discomfort, financial strain, family conflicts, and significant emotional distress. Lack of adequate information and assistance, and delayed diagnosis further intensify these challenges. Despite these hurdles, mothers employed adaptive coping strategies to sustain breastfeeding. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and management for Down syndrome and strengthening specialized lactation support may improve breastfeeding experiences and outcomes in low-resource settings.

Indexed as

breastfeedingchildrenDown syndromematernal experienceRwanda

Identifiers

PMID42699153
PMCPMC13542665

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.