Nicola L Hawley1, Rochelle K Rosen2, E Ashton Strait3, Gabriela Raffucci4, Inga Holmdahl3, Joshua R Freeman3, Bethel T Muasau-Howard5, Stephen T McGarvey3. 1. Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, United States. Electronic address: nicola.hawley@yale.edu. 2. Centers for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, United States; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, United States. 3. International Health Institute, School of Public Health, Brown University, United States. 4. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, United States. 5. Lyndon B Johnson Tropical Medical Center, American Samoa.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In American Samoa, initiation of breastfeeding is almost universal but exclusive breastfeeding, a promising target for obesity prevention, is short in duration. AIMS: (1) To examine American Samoan mothers' feeding experiences and attitudes and beliefs about infant feeding and (2) to identify potential barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. METHODS: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with American Samoan mothers at 16-32 days postpartum. Interviews focused on mother's knowledge and beliefs about infant feeding, how their infants were fed, why the mother had chosen this mode of infant feeding, and how decisions about feeding were made within her social surroundings. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted to identify salient themes in the data. FINDINGS: Intention to exclusively breastfeed did not predict practice; most women supplemented with formula despite intending to exclusively breastfeed. The benefits of breastfeeding were well-recognized, but the importance of exclusivity was missed. Formula-use was not preferred but considered an innocuous "back-up option" where breastfeeding was not possible or not sufficient for infant satiety. Identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding included: the convenience of formula; perceptions among mothers that they were not producing enough breast milk; and pain while breastfeeding. The important support role of family for infant feeding could be utilized in intervention design. CONCLUSION: This study identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding that can be immediately addressed by providers of breastfeeding support services. Further research is needed to address the common perception of insufficient milk in this setting.
BACKGROUND: In American Samoa, initiation of breastfeeding is almost universal but exclusive breastfeeding, a promising target for obesity prevention, is short in duration. AIMS: (1) To examine American Samoan mothers' feeding experiences and attitudes and beliefs about infant feeding and (2) to identify potential barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. METHODS: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with American Samoan mothers at 16-32 days postpartum. Interviews focused on mother's knowledge and beliefs about infant feeding, how their infants were fed, why the mother had chosen this mode of infant feeding, and how decisions about feeding were made within her social surroundings. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted to identify salient themes in the data. FINDINGS: Intention to exclusively breastfeed did not predict practice; most women supplemented with formula despite intending to exclusively breastfeed. The benefits of breastfeeding were well-recognized, but the importance of exclusivity was missed. Formula-use was not preferred but considered an innocuous "back-up option" where breastfeeding was not possible or not sufficient for infant satiety. Identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding included: the convenience of formula; perceptions among mothers that they were not producing enough breast milk; and pain while breastfeeding. The important support role of family for infant feeding could be utilized in intervention design. CONCLUSION: This study identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding that can be immediately addressed by providers of breastfeeding support services. Further research is needed to address the common perception of insufficient milk in this setting.
Authors: Diana Cascone; Davide Tomassoni; Francesco Napolitano; Gabriella Di Giuseppe Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-06-14 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Suellen Cristina Dias Emidio; Flávia de Souza Barbosa Dias; Sue Moorhead; Jennifer Deberg; Ana Railka de Souza Oliveira-Kumakura; Elenice Valentim Carmona Journal: Rev Lat Am Enfermagem Date: 2020-04-17
Authors: Veeraya K Tanawattanacharoen; Courtney C Choy; Trevor J Anesi; Take Naseri; Christina Soti-Ulberg; Muagututia S Reupena; Nicola L Hawley Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2020-02-14 Impact factor: 3.092
Authors: Larelle H Bookhart; Erica H Anstey; Michael R Kramer; Cria G Perrine; Harumi Reis-Reilly; Usha Ramakrishnan; Melissa F Young Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2021-12-14 Impact factor: 3.092