Table 2 Data analysis structure

Expected breastfeeding stress

This theme describes the difficulties women expect to face when they decide for breastfeeding

1.Breastfeeding difficulties

2.Conflict with family

3.Conflict with work

1.Insufficient milk supply, cracked nipples, pain, and sucking problems

2.Doubts, judgments and compulsion from family

3.Inadequate maternity leave affects breastfeeding

Maladjustment to the maternal role

This theme describes non-initiation as a sign of maladjustment to the maternal role

1.Unwillingness to be a mother

2.Return to the life before motherhood

1.Lack of willingness to be a mother

2.Eager to return to childless life

Concerns about physiological issues

This theme describes how physiological problems affect the decision-making in breastfeeding

1.Fear to transmit infections

2.No guarantee of nutrition

3.Poor condition of the breast

1.Fear to infect children with their own diseases

2.Mothers are worried that they cannot provide adequate nutrition for their children

3. Flat breasts and inverted nipples

The lack of knowledge about the risks of artificial feeding

This theme describes mothers’ understanding of formula milk as a good substitute for human milk

1.Belief that feeding formula milk is more convenient

2.Lack of information about the shortcomings of formula milk

1.Mothers believe that formula feeding is easier than breastfeeding

2.Lack of correct information about formula milk and its potential risks

Belief that it is better not to initiate than to interrupt

This theme describes the subtle psychology of the decision-making for the non-initiation of breastfeeding: mothers believe that it is better, for both mothers and babies, not to initiate breastfeeding than to early interrupt breastfeeding

1.Troubles due to early interruption

2.Non-initiation is good for the mother

1.Mothers believe that early interruption may lead to rejection of milk powder and indigestion

2.Mothers believe that non-initiation can make them rest and recover better