Socially sensitive lactation: Exploring the social context of breastfeeding

Leeming, Dawn, Williamson, Iain, Johnson, Sally and Lyttle, Steven (2013) Socially sensitive lactation: Exploring the social context of breastfeeding. Psychology and Health, 28 (4). pp. 450-468. ISSN 0887-0446

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Abstract

Many women report difficulties with breastfeeding and do not maintain the practice for as long as intended. Although psychologists and other researchers have explored some of the difficulties they experience, fuller exploration of the relational contexts in which breastfeeding takes place is warranted to enable more in-depth analysis of the challenges these pose for breastfeeding women. The present paper is based on qualitative data collected from 22 first-time breastfeeding mothers through two phases of interviews and audio-diaries which explored how the participants experienced their relationships with significant others and the wider social context of breastfeeding in the first five weeks postpartum. Using a thematic analysis informed by symbolic interactionism, we develop the overarching theme of ‘Practising socially sensitive lactation’ which captures how participants felt the need to manage tensions between breastfeeding and their perceptions of the needs, expectations and comfort of others. We argue that breastfeeding remains a problematic social act, despite its agreed importance for child health. Whilst acknowledging the limitations of our sample and analytic approach, we suggest ways in which perinatal and public health interventions can take more effective account of the social challenges of breastfeeding in order to facilitate the health and psychological well-being of mothers and their infants.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Schools:	School of Human and Health Sciences School of Human and Health Sciences > Centre for Applied Psychological Research
Related URLs:	Author
Depositing User:	Cherry Edmunds
Date Deposited:	10 Oct 2012 15:25
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2016 19:59
URI:	http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/15502

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