Breastfeeding in Islamic perspective: a thematic analysis

• Main Authors: Jamil, Nurul Akma, Muda, Siti Mariam, Ismail, Hamizah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: RT Nursing
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/59553/1/59553_BREASTFEEDING%20IN%20ISLAMIC-abstract.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/59553/2/59553_BREASTFEEDING%20IN%20ISLAMIC-presentation.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/59553/; http://www.iium.edu.my/wcii/

Introduction: Breastfeeding was mentioned in several verses in the Al-Quran. The verses in Surah Al-Baqarah emphasized parents’ responsibility to provide breast milk during the first two years of life. However, there is no specific rule about the exact time to wean a child as long as his/her wellbeing is not being compromised. As the decision to breastfeed was influenced by social and cultural context; this study aimed to explore Muslim mothers’ understanding on breastfeeding according to medical needs and Islamic perspective. Methodology: This qualitative study used phenomenology as the methodological framework. Purposive sampling was used to recruit Muslim mothers who were successfully breastfed their infants for duration of 2 years. A semi structured interview question was used as a guide to explore mother’s understanding on breastfeeding according to Islamic teaching. Result: The findings revealed that participants believed breastfeeding is a child’s right and mother’s responsibility. They also believed that breast milk was regarded as a gift from Allah. The practice of wet nursing is permissible in Islam when biological mother was unable to do so. However, participants in this study were hesitant to practice it. The reasons given include worry of health status and concern on the nasab. This study also discovered how breastfeeding is being negotiated into mother’s concern on humility in Islam. Conclusion: Religion and culture are vital elements that should be integrated in breastfeeding promotion program. Therefore, the findings of this study would provide relevant information for future reconstruction of breastfeeding education and promotion. Keywords: Qualitative study, breastfeeding, Islam, Malay