{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,5]],"date-time":"2026-09-05T05:59:09Z","timestamp":1788587949433,"version":"build-2803163510"},"reference-count":27,"publisher":"AOSIS","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,1,21]],"date-time":"2025-01-21T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1737417600000},"content-version":"unspecified","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"abstract":"<jats:p>Background: Management of oropharyngeal dysphagia within the first few days of an infant\u2019s life results in favourable breastfeeding outcomes, indicating the importance of investigating the breastfeeding management practices of speech-language therapists (SLTs) working within this field.\n\nObjectives: Little has been published about SLTs\u2019 management of breastfeeding in low- and middle-income settings. This study explores the perspectives of a group of experienced South African SLTs on their approach to breastfeeding management.\n\nMethod: Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured online interviews with 12 experienced SLTs and were subjected to thematic analysis.\n\nResults: Three main themes emerged: (1) Approach to breastfeeding management; (2) Exposure, skills and knowledge related to breastfeeding management; and (3) Perspectives and attitudes towards breastfeeding management. Participants demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles within the scope of breastfeeding management, which aligns with established literature. Their approaches appeared to be influenced by their perspectives and attitudes towards breastfeeding, as well as their exposure, skills and knowledge in this area. The study underscores the need for breastfeeding training in undergraduate programmes and highlights the demand for continuous professional development opportunities.\n\nConclusion: While the findings are drawn from a small sample of experienced clinicians, they offer valuable insights for speech-language pathology clinical educators and professional organisations.\n\nContribution: This study suggests a re-evaluation of university curricula to enhance exposure to breastfeeding management.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v72i1.1070","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,1,21]],"date-time":"2025-01-21T08:46:26Z","timestamp":1737449186000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":2,"title":["A qualitative inquiry of speech-language therapists\u2019 views about breastfeeding management"],"prefix":"10.4102","volume":"72","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7361-3030","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Danica","family":"Schlome","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/00g0p6g84","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of Pretoria"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-9940-8812","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Esedra","family":"Kr\u00fcger","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/00g0p6g84","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of Pretoria"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7839-8384","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Bhavani","family":"Pillay","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/00g0p6g84","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of Pretoria"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"2580","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,1,21]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref0","unstructured":"Arvedson, J., Brodsky, L., & Lefton-Greif, M. (2020). Pediatric swallowing and feeding (3rd ed.). Plural Publishing."},{"key":"ref1","unstructured":"ASHA. (2016). Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. Retrieved June 02, 2024, from https:\/\/www.asha.org\/policy\/sp2016-00343\/?srsltid=AfmBOopiRNUAD0NZU7uxmEnTffPy1G8Mh57XZBsT-eXPWO-BJESipqUB"},{"key":"ref2","unstructured":"Blake, A.N. (2014). Breastfeeding knowledge and clinical management among speech-language pathologists. Master\u2019s thesis. University of North Carolina."},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Brahm, P., & Vald\u00e9s, V. (2017). Benefits of breastfeeding and risks associated with not breastfeeding. Revista Chilena de Pediatr\u00eda, 88(1), 15\u201321. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4067\/S0370-41062017000100001","DOI":"10.4067\/S0370-41062017000100001"},{"key":"ref4","unstructured":"Brink, H., Van Der Walt, C., & Van Rensburg, G. (2018). Fundamentals of research methodology for healthcare professionals (4th ed.). 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