Results
Brief demographic information was obtained from the participants. Nine of the mothers were Caucasian, four mother were African American, and one was Latina. Mean maternal age was 31 years (range 23-41). Mean age of their child was 13 months (range 6-21 months). The majority of the mothers were highly educated; six had a master's degree; four a bachelor's degree; one an associate’s degree; and one had completed some college. These demographic data coincide with current breastfeeding research with mothers that choose to cosleep. The HCPs discussed by the mothers included pediatricians, family medicine physicians, midwives, and obstetricians.
Eight themes emerged from the qualitative data: Nighttime feeding patterns; Maternal wakefulness while feeding; Healthcare professionals' discussion of sleeping location and breastfeeding Avoidance of discussing breastfeeding and cosleeping practices; Oral health advice by HCPs; Previous breastfeeding experience; Pattern of cosleeping; and Cue to feed.