Table 1 Perspectives and attitudes of women: major themes and sub-themes

1. Reasons for the use of herbal medicines

Perseverance and determination to breastfeed

Confidence, self-empowerment and reassurance

Concerns over breastfed infants’ safety

Role and expectation of health care workers

Parental and peer influence

2. The need for herbal medicines resources

Information needs

Credibility and reliability of information

Expectations of health professionals

3. The level of breastfeeding support

Positive feedback

Negative feedback