How autistic parents feel about breastfeeding and the support they receive – new research
We also found that communication by health professionals didn’t always meet the needs of autistic parents.
- We also found that communication by health professionals didn’t always meet the needs of autistic parents.
- So, for our newly released study, we asked 152 autistic parents from across the UK about their breast- and formula-feeding experiences.
- That said, many of these autistic parents described experiencing sensory difficulties, with touch-related issues being their most frequently reported challenge.
Interoception
- But we also have three other senses that are just as important.
- The vestibular system helps us keep our balance and move around safely; proprioception lets us know how our muscles and joints are moving; and interoception tells us about what is happening inside our bodies, such as our heart rate, breathing and digestion.
Adaptation strategies
Whether our parents breast- or formula-fed, the intensity of babies’ frequent feeding could be overwhelming – a well-known issue among the general population of parents too. However, for autistic parents, carefully developed strategies to stay regulated and de-stress, such as going for a walk or watching an episode of a favourite TV show, could be disrupted by the busy routine of new parenthood.
- This included adapting their clothing and distracting themselves during feeding by looking at a mobile phone, for example.
- There is evidence that bonding is not negatively impacted by the use of smartphones when breastfeeding in a general population.
- So, these types of distraction should be encouraged for all parents who are finding breastfeeding hard but want to continue doing so.
Room for improvement
- The national autism training programme, which is developed and delivered by autistic adults, aims to improve this situation across England.
- A second area for improvement is for autistic parents, their partners and other people supporting them to be aware of potential feeding issues in advance, so they can be better prepared.
- Kathryn Williams receives funding for her PhD studentship from the Economic and Social Research Council.
- She is affiliated with Autistic UK CIC, where she is a voluntary non-executive director.