Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41530699›Full record

SynthesisBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026

Breastfeeding challenges experienced by postpartum nurses after maternity leave: a qualitative systematic review.

Keqin Liu, Suya Li, Yu Liu, Mingfeng Yu, Ying Wang

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Keqin Liu *Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Suya Li *Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Yu LiuDepartment of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China. 504443342@qq.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1056-1229
Mingfeng YuDepartment of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Ying WangDepartment of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.

Funding

Hospital fund of Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology 2023D39Hospital fund of Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology 2024C06
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWith the continuous progress of global breastfeeding promotion, breastfeeding for postpartum returning nurses has become an important topic of medical human resource management. Nurses have always assumed a caregiver role, but postpartum nurses are seen as a particularly vulnerable and care-recipient role. Paying attention to the breastfeeding experience of postpartum returning nurses is helpful in improving the work environment of nurses and enhance the overall level of nursing service.

objectiveTo systematically explore and integrate the multi-dimensional challenges of breastfeeding faced by postpartum nurses during their return to work, and to comprehensively analyze the adaptation and support needs.

methodsWe conducted a systematic search of six electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang to identify relevant qualitative studies. The search time limit was from the establishment of database to February 2025. Literature screening and data extraction were completed by two researchers independently, and the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria for qualitative research was used for evaluation. Results were reported in accordance with the Enhanced Transparency in Integrated Reporting of Qualitative Research statement. Finally, thematic analysis was used for data synthesis.

resultsA total of 19 studies were included and synthesized into three analytical themes: (i) breastfeeding attitude, (ii) breastfeeding support, and (iii) breastfeeding control. Analysis of outcomes revealed breastfeeding resilience and support are identified as facilitators, while work pressure and role conflict are identified as hindrances. In addition, breastfeeding attitude was identified as an influencer of breastfeeding.

conclusionsIn this review, the breastfeeding practice of postpartum returning nurses is complex, which affects the breastfeeding experience together with their professional identity. Breastfeeding attitude, breastfeeding support, and breastfeeding control are identified as key factors. It is suggested that health institutions should intervene in view of obstacles and improve the breastfeeding support system of postpartum returning nurses.

Indexed as

Breast FeedingNursesParental LeaveAttitude of Health PersonnelFemaleHumansPostpartum PeriodQualitative ResearchReturn to WorkBreastfeedingNursesPostpartum nursesReturn to workSystematic review

Identifiers

PMID41530699
PMCPMC12918338

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.