What motivates Muslims women to induce lactation?: An exploratory qualitative analysis

Induction of lactation occurs when breast milk is produced in a human (female), without going through the process of pregnancy and delivery. Induced lactation is a method of strengthening the bond between the adopted child and the adoptive mother. The primary goal is to encourage bonding solely to develop an emotional connection and as a motivation for the mother to breastfeed her adopted child. This exploratory qualitative study examined the factors influencing women's decisions about induced lactation in Malaysia. Methods: This study used in-depth interviews with women who had induced lactation in five states based on five regions in Malaysia [Central Region (Selangor), Northern Region (Penang), Southern Region (Johor), East Coast Region (Kelantan), Malaysia Borneo (Sabah)]. The qualitative approach helped to establish a comprehensive insight into the women’s experiences throughout the journey of induced lactation. All interviews were consented, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim, followed by identification of emerging themes. Results: After interviewing 23 induced lactation women, data saturation was achieved. Data synthesized using thematic analysis revealed three themes describing the main factors in determining women's decisions on induced lactation: (1) mahram relationship, (2), and (3) the perceived superiority of breastfeeding. This indicates that the mahram relationship, experiencing motherhood, and the perceived superiority of breastmilk motivated women to undergo induced lactation. Conclusions: Induced lactation is analogous to ordinary life, where favorable attitudes are followed by a strong drive to achieve. We hope that by identifying the various factors that motivate women to induce lactation, health care professionals and the community will be empowered to support breastfeeding in terms of facilitating motherhood, providing breastfeeding aid equipment, and assisting with daily necessities.