Constructing Compatibility: Managing Breast-Feeding and Weaning from the Mother’s Perspective

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to analyze the maternal process of managing the later stages of established breast-feeding and, ultimately, weaning the child from the breast within a Western Australian context. Data were analyzed from 33 participants' interview transcripts, field notes, 9 postal questionnaires from fathers, and individual and discussion group interviews with child health nurses. A common social problem of incompatible expectations was revealed. All participants faced a dilemma in the management of their experience when personal expectations were in opposition to others' expectations. A process of Constructing Compatibility by Adapting Focus was adopted to compensate for this incompatibility.