Allison Scott1, Marilou Shreve1, Britni Ayers2, Pearl Anna McElfish3. 1. 1The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing,University of Arkansas,Fayetteville,AR,USA. 2. 2Political Science Department,University of Arkansas,Fayetteville,AR,USA. 3. 3Office of Community Health and Research,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest,1125 North College Avenue,Fayetteville,AR 72703,USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine perceptions, beliefs and experiences affecting breast-feeding in Marshallese mothers residing in Northwest Arkansas, USA. DESIGN: A qualitative, exploratory study using a brief survey and focus groups. Marshallese women, 18 years or older who had a child under 7 years of age, were included in the study. SETTING: Community-based organization in Northwest Arkansas. RESULTS: The majority of mothers viewed breast milk as superior to formula, but had concerns about adequate milk supply and the nutritional value of their milk. The primary barriers to exclusive breast-feeding in the USA included public shaming (both verbal and non-verbal), perceived milk production and quality, and maternal employment. These barriers are not reported in the Marshall Islands and are encountered only after moving to the USA. Breast-feeding mothers rely heavily on familial support, especially the eldest female, who may not reside in the USA. The influence of institutions, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is strong and may negatively affect breast-feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the belief that breast milk is the healthiest option, breast-feeding among Marshallese mothers is challenged by numerous barriers they encounter as they assimilate to US cultural norms. The barriers and challenges, along with the strong desire to assimilate to US culture, impact Marshallese mothers' perceptions, beliefs and experiences with breast-feeding.
OBJECTIVE: To determine perceptions, beliefs and experiences affecting breast-feeding in Marshallese mothers residing in Northwest Arkansas, USA. DESIGN: A qualitative, exploratory study using a brief survey and focus groups. Marshallese women, 18 years or older who had a child under 7 years of age, were included in the study. SETTING: Community-based organization in Northwest Arkansas. RESULTS: The majority of mothers viewed breast milk as superior to formula, but had concerns about adequate milk supply and the nutritional value of their milk. The primary barriers to exclusive breast-feeding in the USA included public shaming (both verbal and non-verbal), perceived milk production and quality, and maternal employment. These barriers are not reported in the Marshall Islands and are encountered only after moving to the USA. Breast-feeding mothers rely heavily on familial support, especially the eldest female, who may not reside in the USA. The influence of institutions, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is strong and may negatively affect breast-feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the belief that breast milk is the healthiest option, breast-feeding among Marshallese mothers is challenged by numerous barriers they encounter as they assimilate to US cultural norms. The barriers and challenges, along with the strong desire to assimilate to US culture, impact Marshallese mothers' perceptions, beliefs and experiences with breast-feeding.
Authors: Pearl Anna McElfish; Brett Rowland; Christopher R Long; Jonell Hudson; Michelle Piel; Bill Buron; Sheldon Riklon; Williamina Ioanna Bing; T Scott Warmack Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2016-11-11
Authors: Pearl A McElfish; Marie-Rachelle Narcisse; Christopher R Long; Britni L Ayers; Nicola L Hawley; Nia Aitaoto; Sheldon Riklon; L Joseph Su; Shumona Z Ima; Ralph O Wilmoth; Thomas K Schulz; Susan Kadlubar Journal: J Community Genet Date: 2017-07-08
Authors: Britni L Ayers; Marilou D Shreve; Allison L Scott; Victoria A Seaton; Kelly V Johnson; Nicola L Hawley; Brett Rowland; Ramey Moore; Pearl A McElfish Journal: Public Health Nutr Date: 2019-02-22 Impact factor: 4.022
Authors: Pearl A McElfish; Karen Yeary; Imi A Sinclair; Susan Steelman; Monica K Esquivel; Nia Aitaoto; Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula; Rachel S Purvis; Britni L Ayers Journal: J Health Care Poor Underserved Date: 2019
Authors: Kelly Vowell Johnson; Allison L Scott; Marilou Shreve; Britni L Ayers; Victoria S Seaton; Pearl A McElfish Journal: Nutr Metab Insights Date: 2019-02-15
Authors: Britni L Ayers; Cari A Bogulski; Lauren Haggard-Duff; Aline Andres; Elisabet Børsheim; Pearl A McElfish Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-09-29 Impact factor: 2.692