Mis-matching structures of care in breastfeeding support

This ethnographic research study explores the interaction between peer, partner, and provider support and breastfeeding outcomes. And to argue that there exists a mismatch between breastfeeding ideals and realities. Breastfeeding has been proposed as the first choice in infant feeding practices beginning from birth until a minimum of six months, without the inclusion of other nutrient products. While breastfeeding remains the medical standard, rates across the United States have not reached the Healthy People 2020 goals. The purpose of this study was to address the outcome of shared breastfeeding knowledge, in relation to the interaction between chronic individual stress, access to supportive resources, and the immediate stress involved with breastfeeding. Relying on Modified Grounded Theory (mGT), participant observation, surveys and interviews, the original aim of this study was to provide information about the role of social support, stressors and breastfeeding. There ultimately exists a mismatch between the ideals of breastfeeding and application of breastfeeding resources in the United States. For breastfeeding to be successful there needed to be a culture of support from peers, providers, and partners (or family members). This overlap of care results in breastfeeding mothers feeling more capable in handling their individual experiences of stress, as well as stress directly related to their infant.

Author dc:creator

• St. Dennis, Victoria

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Barnes, Linda

• Cultural anthropology

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2144/31291

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.bu.edu:2144/31291