Exploring influences on infant-feeding decisions among mothers with learning disabilities: A scoping review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring influences on infant-feeding decisions among mothers with learning disabilities

T2 - A scoping review

AU - Mitchell, Vicky

AU - McFadden, Alison

AU - Buell, Susan

N1 - © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

PY - 2026/2/18

Y1 - 2026/2/18

N2 - Background During the transition to motherhood, women need to make decisions about infant feeding. For women with learning disabilities, making such decisions is impacted by their capacity to interpret information. Understanding the influences on infant feeding decisions can improve support for mothers with learning disabilities. Aim Our review explores broad intersecting influences, including autonomy, formal and informal support systems, and information delivery, by synthesising both peer-reviewed and grey literature. It aimed to understand these aspects in relation to infant-feeding decisions for mothers with learning disabilities and to identify evidence research gaps. Methods We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methods. Three electronic databases, Medline, CINAHL and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed literature, and Google, Google Scholar and Ethos for grey literature in March 2023 and updated in March 2025. Articles were eligible for inclusion if the participants were mothers with learning disabilities and they included data on infant-feeding decisions. The peer-reviewed literature was analysed thematically, and the grey literature is summarised narratively Findings Six peer-reviewed papers and seven sources of grey literature were included. The findings suggested that mothers want autonomy regarding their infant-feeding decisions but are influenced by those around them, including family, friends, and professionals. Mothers can only make informed choices if timely information is tailored to the right level. Conclusion We found limited research on the influences on infant-feeding decisions for mothers with learning disabilities; more research is needed. Our review suggests that mothers with learning disabilities’ infant feeding decisions are influenced by their support networks. Effective accessible information on infant-feeding targeted to women with learning disabilities is needed. Maternity service policies should include guidance for supporting mothers with learning disabilities.

AB - Background During the transition to motherhood, women need to make decisions about infant feeding. For women with learning disabilities, making such decisions is impacted by their capacity to interpret information. Understanding the influences on infant feeding decisions can improve support for mothers with learning disabilities. Aim Our review explores broad intersecting influences, including autonomy, formal and informal support systems, and information delivery, by synthesising both peer-reviewed and grey literature. It aimed to understand these aspects in relation to infant-feeding decisions for mothers with learning disabilities and to identify evidence research gaps. Methods We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methods. Three electronic databases, Medline, CINAHL and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed literature, and Google, Google Scholar and Ethos for grey literature in March 2023 and updated in March 2025. Articles were eligible for inclusion if the participants were mothers with learning disabilities and they included data on infant-feeding decisions. The peer-reviewed literature was analysed thematically, and the grey literature is summarised narratively Findings Six peer-reviewed papers and seven sources of grey literature were included. The findings suggested that mothers want autonomy regarding their infant-feeding decisions but are influenced by those around them, including family, friends, and professionals. Mothers can only make informed choices if timely information is tailored to the right level. Conclusion We found limited research on the influences on infant-feeding decisions for mothers with learning disabilities; more research is needed. Our review suggests that mothers with learning disabilities’ infant feeding decisions are influenced by their support networks. Effective accessible information on infant-feeding targeted to women with learning disabilities is needed. Maternity service policies should include guidance for supporting mothers with learning disabilities.

KW - Infant feeding

KW - breastfeeding

KW - learning disabilities

KW - parenting

KW - decision-making

KW - Decision-making

KW - Parenting

KW - Learning disabilities

KW - Breastfeeding

U2 - 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104741

DO - 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104741

M3 - Review article

SN - 0266-6138

VL - 156

JO - Midwifery

JF - Midwifery

M1 - 104741

ER -