Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Implementing Research to Influence Breastfeeding Education

Midwives and childbirth educators are well placed to identify issues and contribute to positive change regarding antenatal breastfeeding education for women. "Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)", is an accessible research method that can be conducted by many different health care professionals to explore practice challenges and the needs of women, in order to gain data to support change in practice. This article provides a background to IPA, an example of its application in midwifery research, and outlines a series of steps on how to conduct an IPA study. When antenatal breastfeeding education reflects the needs and issues of the women in the local practice setting, the potential to positively influence women's breastfeeding journeys, including extending the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, can be enhanced.