Objective: The Healthy Parents and Children 21 Project in Japan has set an objective to achieve a 60% breast-feeding rate among mothers who have one-month-old children. Using qualitative analysis, this study clarifies the emotional process that mothers experience before they feel confident with breast-feeding. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four mothers who were breast-feeding children ranging in age from 2 to 24 months, on their emotional transitions before they felt confident with breast-feeding, and analysis was performed with the use of Saiki\u27s grounded theory approach. With the agreement of the appropriate ethics committee, we explained our objective and protocol, and obtained final approval for the research in writing. Results: The average age of the mothers was 31.8 (+-4.3) years old, and the average interview time was 35.0 (+-17.3) minutes. On analyzing the emotional process the mothers we identified 【single-minded continuation of breast-feeding】 as the core category, and five sub-categories such as >, >, and > We created a single integrated diagram. Discussion: The mothers had had a strong desire to breast-feed even during pregnancy and >. Once they began breast-feeding the mothers gained a sense of security and confidence as they felt "relieved while breast milk was being released from their body". These feelings encouraged them to "single-mindedly continue to breast-feed", and "keeping up with it led them to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of breast-feeding" Conclusion: The Surveyed mothers developed affection for their children through mutual interactions between them by means of breast-feeding. Realizing that their breast milk is adequate to feed their children gave them the confidence to know that their bodies alone can support the growth of their children. The results of this study indicate the need for environments and support that help mothers remain motivated to breast-feed their children
