For Shame: Feminism, Breastfeeding Advocacy, and Maternal Guilt

Hypatia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin N. Taylor ◽  
Lora Ebert Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Formula Feeding ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Cultural Expectations ◽  
New Framework

In this paper, we provide a new framework for understanding infant‐feeding‐related maternal guilt and shame, placing these in the context of feminist theoretical and psychological accounts of the emotions of self‐assessment. Whereas breastfeeding advocacy has been critiqued for its perceived role in inducing maternal guilt, we argue that the emotion women often feel surrounding infant feeding may be better conceptualized as shame in its tendency to involve a negative self‐assessment—a failure to achieve an idealized notion of good motherhood. Further, we suggest, both formula‐feeding and breastfeeding mothers experience shame: the former report feeling that they fail to live up to ideals of womanhood and motherhood, and the latter transgress cultural expectations regarding feminine modesty. The problem, then, is the degree to which mothers are vulnerable to shame generally, regardless of infant feeding practices. As an emotion that is less adaptive and potentially more damaging than guilt, shame ought to be the focus of resistance for both feminists and breastfeeding advocates, who need to work in conjunction with women to oppose this shame by assisting them in constructing their own ideals of good motherhood that incorporate a sense of self‐concern.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Experiences of HIV-Positive Women of African Descent in the Cultural Context of Infant Feeding: A Three-Country Comparative Analyses

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7150
Author(s):  
Josephine Etowa ◽  
Hilary Nare ◽  
Doris M. Kakuru ◽  
Egbe B. Etowa
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
African Descent ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Black Mothers ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Psychosocial Experiences ◽  
Cultural Expectations ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Living With Hiv

Infant feeding among mothers of African descent living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a critical practice that is influenced by policies, cultural expectations, and the resultant psychosocial state of the mother. Hence, this paper draws insights from a broader infant feeding study. It provides insights into how guidelines on infant feeding practices, cultural expectations, migration, or geographic status intersect to influence the psychosocial experiences of mothers living with HIV. We compared psychosocial experiences of Black mothers of African descent living with HIV in Nigeria versus those in high-income countries (Canada and USA), in the context of contrasting national infant feeding guidelines, cultural beliefs about breastfeeding, and geographic locations. Survey was conducted in venue-based convenience samples in two comparative groups: (Ottawa, Canada and Miami-FL, USA combined [n = 290]), and (Port Harcourt, Nigeria [n = 400]). Using independent samples t-statistics, we compared the means and distributions of six psychosocial attributes between Black mothers in two distinct: Infant feeding groups (IFGs), cultural, and geographical contexts at p < 0.05. Psychosocial attributes, such as discrimination and stigma, were greater in women who exclusively formula feed (EFF) than in women who exclusively breastfeed (EBF) at p < 0.01. Heightened vigilance, discrimination, and stigma scores were greater in women whose infant feeding practices were informed by cultural beliefs (CBs) compared to those not informed by CBs at p < 0.001. Discrimination and stigma scores were greater among mothers in Canada and the USA than in Nigeria at p < 0.001. Heightened vigilance and perceived stress scores were less among women in Canada and the USA than in Nigeria at p < 0.001. The guidelines on infant feeding practices for mothers with HIV should consider cultural expectations and migration/locational status of mothers.

scholarly journals Self-efficacy, infant feeding practices, and infant weight gain: An integrative review

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica S Bahorski ◽  
Gwendolyn D Childs ◽  
Lori A Loan ◽  
Andres Azuero ◽  
Shannon A Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Parental Feeding ◽  
Infant Weight Gain

It has been suggested that self-efficacy specific to parenting or feeding may influence the decisions parents make regarding infant feeding; however, a review of this topic has not been conducted. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize the literature regarding the potential role of self-efficacy in infant feeding practices or infant weight gain. A total of 40 articles were used to guide this review, which were classified into three categories examining an association with self-efficacy (1) breastfeeding; (2) infant feeding practices such as parental feeding style and dietary quality; and (3) infant weight gain. Evidence regarding breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) and breastfeeding is extensive; mothers with a higher sense of BFSE more often initiate breastfeeding and breastfeed for longer durations. The evidence regarding self-efficacy and the association with infant feeding practices other than breastfeeding is sparse. However, several studies report that mothers who have a higher sense of self-efficacy are more likely to follow infant feeding practices which align with recommendations. The authors have speculated an association between self-efficacy and infant weight gain; yet, to date, no study has found a significant association. More research is needed on the topic, particularly in diverse populations and with fathers and mothers.

scholarly journals Fetal Alcohol Growth Restriction Is Not Attributable to Infant Feeding Practices in a Prospective Birth Cohort in Cape Town, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 739-739
Author(s):  
Alexia Edwards ◽  
R. Colin Carter ◽  
Marjanne Senekal ◽  
Neil Dodge ◽  
Ernesta Meintjes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Head Circumference ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Formula Feeding ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Heavy Drinkers

Abstract Objectives Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental deficits worldwide and causes growth restriction that worsens in the first year of life. Fetal alcohol growth restriction has been shown to be a marker for severity of alcohol-related neurocognitive deficits. However, the role of postnatal nutrition in fetal alcohol growth restriction remains unknown. The aims of this study were to compare infant feeding practices (e.g., breastfeeding, formula feeding, complementary foods) between heavy drinkers and controls and to examine whether these practices play confounding roles in fetal alcohol growth restriction. Methods 123 heavy drinking pregnant women and 86 controls were recruited at their first antenatal clinic visit in Cape Town, South Africa. Demographic background and alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and methamphetamine use during pregnancy were assessed prenatally. Infant feeding practices were assessed at 6.5 mo postpartum using the USDA Infant Feeding Questionnaire. Infant weight, length and head circumference were measured at 2 wk and 6.5 and 12 mo. Potential confounders were those related to growth outcomes at p &lt; .10 in univariate regression models. Results There were no differences between heavy drinkers and controls in duration of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, or formula or mixed feeding. Although heavy drinkers were slightly more likely to have given their infants porridge, eggs, red meat, chicken, fish, and fries, complementary feeding practices were otherwise remarkably similar between drinkers and controls. In regression models adjusting for potential confounders (maternal age, cigarette use, socioeconomic status (SES)), frequency of prenatal drinking (days/wk) was related to smaller weight- (B = −.33(−.53, −.13)), length- (B = −.36(−.53, −.18)), and head circumference-for-age (B = −.22(−.40, −.03)) z-scores at 12 mo. These relations were not altered by controlling for breastfeeding, formula feeding, or complementary foods. Conclusions Infant feeding practices among heavy drinkers and controls were very similar in this low-SES cohort. Fetal alcohol growth restriction was not attributable to differences in infant feeding practices and is thus likely a teratogenic effect of PAE. Funding Sources NIH/NIAAA; MI Lycaki-Young Fund.

scholarly journals Reported infant feeding practices and contextual influences on breastfeeding: qualitative interviews with women registered to MomConnect in three South African provinces

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zara Trafford ◽  
Sara Jewett ◽  
Alison Swartz ◽  
Amnesty E. LeFevre ◽  
Peter J. Winch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
South African ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Younger Women

Abstract Background Global guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life. South African EBF rates have steadily increased but still only average 32% for infants below 6 months of age. Malnutrition and developmental delays continue to contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality of South African children. MomConnect, a national mHealth messaging system used to send infant and maternal health messages during and after pregnancy, has a specific focus on improving rates of breastfeeding and has achieved high rates of population coverage. Methods For this qualitative study, we interviewed women who were registered to MomConnect to investigate their breastfeeding and other infant feeding practices, decision-making pre- and post-delivery, and the role of the health system, family members and the wider community in supporting or detracting from breastfeeding intentions. Data were collected from February–March 2018 in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng provinces. Framework analysis was conducted to identify common themes. Results Most women interviewed had breastfed, including HIV-positive women. Even when women had delivered by caesarean section, they had usually been able to initiate breastfeeding a few hours after birth. Understandings of EBF varied in thoroughness and there was some confusion about the best way to cease breastfeeding. Most women felt well-equipped to make infant feeding decisions and to stick to their intentions, but returning to work or school sometimes prevented 6 months of EBF. Advice from the health system (both via clinics and MomConnect) was considered helpful and supportive in encouraging EBF to 6 months, although family influences could thwart these intentions, especially for younger women. Mothers reported a range of breastfeeding information sources that influenced their choices, including social media. Conclusions Efforts to improve EBF rates must include consideration of the social and economic environment surrounding women. Interventions that focus only on improving women’s knowledge are valuable but insufficient on their own. Attention should also be paid to infant behaviors, and how these affect women’s breastfeeding choices. Finally, although there is strong local policy support for EBF, more rigorous implementation of these and other broader changes to create a more enabling structural environment ought to be prioritized.

scholarly journals An Assessment of the Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Feeding Pattern among Mothers in Mauritius

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashmika Motee ◽  
Deerajen Ramasawmy ◽  
Prity Pugo-Gunsam ◽  
Rajesh Jeewon
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Feeding Pattern ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Childhood Morbidity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Type Of Delivery

Proper breastfeeding practices are effective ways for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. While many mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding, others are less knowledgeable on the benefits of breastfeeding and weaning. The aim in here is to assess breastfeeding pattern, infant formula feeding pattern, and weaning introduction in Mauritius and to investigate the factors that influence infant nutrition. 500 mothers were interviewed using a questionnaire which was designed to elicit information on infant feeding practices. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS (version 13.0), whereby chi-square tests were used to evaluate relationships between different selected variables. The prevalence of breastfeeding practice in Mauritius has risen from 72% in 1991 to 93.4% as found in this study, while only 17.9% breastfed their children exclusively for the first 6 months, and the mean duration of EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) is 2.10 months. Complementary feeding was more commonly initiated around 4–6 months (75.2%). Despite the fact that 60.6% of mothers initiate breastfeeding and 26.1% of mothers are found to breastfeed up to 2 years, the practice of EBF for the first 6 months is low (17.9%). Factors found to influence infant feeding practices are type of delivery, parity, alcohol consumption, occupation, education, and breast problems.

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