Table 1 Categorisation of survey responses for breastfeeding cessation

Perceived insufficient milk supply

Breast milk alone did not satisfy my baby

I thought that my baby was not gaining enough weight

I didn’t have enough milk

Baby just didn’t settle on breastmilk

Breastfeeding challenges

I had trouble getting the milk flow to start

My baby had trouble sucking or latching on

Breastfeeding was too painful

Baby was too difficult

Baby began biting

My baby lost interest or began to wean him or herself

Woman's preference

Breastfeeding was too tiring

Breastfeeding was too inconvenient

I wanted or needed someone else to feed my baby

I wanted to smoke again/I was smoking

I had other kids at home

I didn’t feel comfortable breastfeeding in public

Anxious from a previous experience

Medical conditions

I had an infection (mastitis)

I was unwell or taking medications

Medical advice

Baby in the neonatal intensive care unit or unwell

Baby has allergies

Baby was tongue tied

Baby suffers from reflux

Other

Oestrogen sensitivity

Partner left

Surrogate pregnancy