Exploring barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding infants among Gypsies and Travellers in Wales: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Despite the health benefits, just 3% of Gypsy and Traveller infants receive breastmilk. METHODS: This study took place in June-July 2024 and involved semistructured interviews with seven Gypsy and Traveller women. It presents a grounded theory interpretation of the barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding infants that they perceive and experience. RESULTS: Four main barriers are presented: breastfeeding in front of others is prohibited; an aversion to breastfeeding; reduced awareness of the health benefits; and limited skills to breastfeed and being overlooked. Four main facilitators are presented: breastmilk is thought to be healthier than formula; an awareness that attitudes to breastfeeding are outdated; determination and resourcefulness to breastfeed; and a new theoretical concept, that partners will support women to breastfeed. CONCLUSION: Recommendations include ensuring that Gypsy and Traveller women and their partners are offered an antenatal contact with a midwife and health visitor to discuss the health benefits of breastfeeding and how to express breastmilk as well as breastfeed; collaboration with Gypsy and Traveller advocates to facilitate environmental change to enable breastfeeding; and further ethnographic research to understand the Gypsy and Traveller culture.