Breastfeeding as a Sacred Experience: An Exploratory Phenomenological Study of Muslim Mothers in Turkey Guided by Watson's Theory of Human Caring.

Résumé

This exploratory phenomenological study explores the emotional and spiritual experiences of Muslim mothers in Turkey during breastfeeding, particularly when their infants are hospitalized. Guided by Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 mothers in the pediatric ward of a university hospital in the Aegean region. Five main themes emerged from the data: emotional, physical, and social changes during breastfeeding; maternal motivation; religious and spiritual practices; perceptions of motherhood; and the influence of sociocultural beliefs. The findings reveal that breastfeeding is not only a biological necessity but also a deeply emotional and spiritual experience. Mothers described breastfeeding as a sacred responsibility and a profound source of inner peace, shaped by religious rituals such as prayer, Quran recitation, and vows. Cultural and familial expectations also significantly influenced their breastfeeding behaviors. These experiences align with Watson's principles of holistic, compassionate, and spiritually sensitive care. The study highlights the importance of integrating emotional and spiritual support into postpartum care. Healthcare professionals-particularly nurses and midwives-are encouraged to acknowledge and support the spiritual and emotional needs of breastfeeding mothers to enhance maternal well-being and promote successful breastfeeding.