Table 2.

Semi-structured interview guide on breastfeeding

Breastfeeding prior to breast cancer

1. Were any of the children that you had before your breast cancer diagnosis breastfed or fed breast milk? If yes, how many?

2. How old was the (first/second/third…) child when he/she completely stopped breastfeeding or being fed breast milk?

3. How old was the (first/ second/third…) child when he/she was first fed anything besides breast milk?

Breastfeeding as a breast cancer survivor

1. What can you tell me about breastfeeding for women who are breast cancer survivors?

2. Did you talk to your doctor about the possibility of breastfeeding after breast cancer?

Probes:

What did your doctor tell you?

3. What were your expectations about breastfeeding?

4. Was breastfeeding a possibility for you?

Probes:

Did you try to breastfeed?

What motivated you to try to breastfeed?

Can you tell me about your experiences with breastfeeding?

What was the best part?

What was the most difficult part?

5. How old was your (first/second/third…) child [born after breast cancer] when he/she completely stopped breastfeeding or being fed breast milk?

6. How old was your (first/second/third…) child [born after breast cancer] when he/she was first fed anything besides breast milk?

7. Where did you go for information about breastfeeding?

8. Where did you go for support?

9. Did you feel supported in your decision about breastfeeding?

Probes:

What made you feel most supported?

Least supported?

10. What would you say to other breast cancer survivors who are interested in breastfeeding?

Probes:

What advice would you give them?

11. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about your experiences that we haven’t covered?