"Just Take It Off the Plate": a Syndemic Model of Low Breastfeeding Rates and Maternal Stress in South Alabama
type: CreativeWork
description: The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which multiple disasters (e.g., the compounded effects of pandemics, hurricanes, tornadoes) have shaped perceptions of infant health and well-being, particularly as they relate to infant feeding practices, in South Alabama's gulf coast. Using a critical medical anthropology lens, we conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals/providers (n=10) and birth-givers/families (n=10) about how providing services in a multiple disaster context has shaped their perceptions of infant feeding, health, and well-being. Results reveal a clustering of two biocultural conditions that have the potential to negatively impact infant health outcomes in South Alabama: low rates of breastfeeding and maternal stress. In the discussion, we introduce a syndemic model of low breastfeeding rates and maternal stress to illustrate how infant feeding decisions are made at the intersection of harmful, institutional policies and health inequities.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which multiple disasters (e.g., the compounded effects of pandemics, hurricanes, tornadoes) have shaped perceptions of infant health and well-being, particularly as they relate to infant feeding practices, in South Alabama's gulf coast. Using a critical medical anthropology lens, we conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals/providers (n=10) and birth-givers/families (n=10) about how providing services in a multiple disaster context has shaped their perceptions of infant feeding, health, and well-being. Results reveal a clustering of two biocultural conditions that have the potential to negatively impact infant health outcomes in South Alabama: low rates of breastfeeding and maternal stress. In the discussion, we introduce a syndemic model of low breastfeeding rates and maternal stress to illustrate how infant feeding decisions are made at the intersection of harmful, institutional policies and health inequities.
author: Locke, Emily
language: en_US
language: English
keywords: Breastfeeding, Maternal Stress, Medical Anthropology, Perinatal Health, South Alabama, Syndemic
date published: 2023
date modified: 2026-07-27T18:44:25Z
provider: University of Alabama
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Alabama Libraries