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Houlihan AE, Zaikman Y, Alford AM. The influence of bystander presence on evaluations of public breastfeeding among adults in the United States. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1753. [PMID: 37684595 PMCID: PMC10492271 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16635-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In general, people tend to support private breastfeeding more than public breastfeeding, and discomfort surrounding public breastfeeding may contribute to sub-optimal rates of breastfeeding in the United States. Few studies have systematically examined situational factors that contribute to (negative) reactions to public breastfeeding. It is unclear whether the physical location or the presence of others is more influential in shaping people's evaluations of public breastfeeding. This study aimed to experimentally investigate the influence of location, bystander presence, bystander gender, and the breastfeeding woman's use of a cover on people's evaluations of breastfeeding images. METHOD A sample of adults residing in the United States was randomly assigned to view an image of a breastfeeding woman in an experimental study that examined four independent variables: breastfeeding location (public vs. private), bystander presence (present vs. not present), gender of bystander (male vs. female), and use of a cover (cover vs. no cover). Participants then reported their emotional reactions to, perceptions of, and behavioral intentions toward the breastfeeding woman. In addition, participants completed measures of sexism, traditional gender role endorsement, sexual comfort, body gaze, and breastfeeding knowledge and experience. RESULTS Hierarchical regressions revealed no differences between private and public breastfeeding images. Perceptions of the breastfeeding woman were more favorable when she was alone than with others, and when she was covered than when she was not covered. Evaluations tended to be more favorable among participants who scored lower on hostile sexism, higher on benevolent sexism, higher on sexual comfort, and higher on breastfeeding knowledge. CONCLUSION The presence of bystanders may be more consequential than the physical location in shaping reactions to public breastfeeding. These findings can be applied to improve support for public breastfeeding, which may contribute to higher breastfeeding rates and the associated public health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Houlihan
- Department of Psychology & Sociology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., unit 5827, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA.
| | - Yuliana Zaikman
- Department of Psychology & Sociology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., unit 5827, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
| | - Allison M Alford
- Department of Psychology & Sociology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., unit 5827, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
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2
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Dykes C, Ny P, Hauck YL, Kuliukas L, Gallagher L, Brady V, Rubertsson C. Women's perceptions of factors needed to encourage a culture of public breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in Sweden, Ireland and Australia. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:49. [PMID: 37658398 PMCID: PMC10472612 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding in the public sphere is known to be experienced as a problem for many women. It has been shown to arouse negative feelings among the public, depending on the attitude of those in the immediate surroundings. This contributes to the fact that many women hesitate to breastfeed in public and prepare themselves for potential adverse comments. METHODS An online survey was used for an international cross-sectional study including women living in Sweden (n = 1252), Australia (n = 7602) and Ireland (n = 1597). Women who had breastfed within the previous two years were invited to participate through Facebook. One key open-ended question was presented, inviting women to respond to: "What do you think is important or needed to encourage a breastfeeding culture where breastfeeding in public is seen as normal?" During 2018, data were collected during a four-week period. A thematic analysis of women's responses was conducted separately in each country and then comparison and negotiation occurred once similarities between themes and subthemes were confirmed. Frequencies of subthemes were then determined and compared between the three countries. RESULTS Seven subthemes developed from the data; 'Make breastfeeding visible in society'; 'Healthcare professionals support and knowledge regarding breastfeeding'; 'Education of the public'; 'Inviting environment'; 'Zero tolerance to other's unwanted opinions'; 'Focusing on the needs and rights of the breastfeeding dyad'; and 'Desexualize breastfeeding and women's' bodies in society'. Subthemes were integrated under two themes; 'Active supportive interventions needed for breastfeeding' and 'The obvious right of breastfeeding women and children to take a seat in the public sphere'. CONCLUSION The common experience that exists today regarding public breastfeeding requires change towards normalization. Further collaborative research is recommended to meet the expressed requirements from women who wish to breastfeed in public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Dykes
- Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19 223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Skane University Hospital, Lasarettsgatan 48 222 41, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Ny
- Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Yvonne L. Hauck
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Lesley Kuliukas
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Louise Gallagher
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The Gas Building, 24 D’Olier Street, Dublin, D02 T283 Ireland
| | - Vivienne Brady
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The Gas Building, 24 D’Olier Street, Dublin, D02 T283 Ireland
| | - Christine Rubertsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19 223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skane University Hospital, Jan Waldenströmsgata 47 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
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Schindler-Ruwisch J, Aluc A. The Relationship of Race and Ethnicity to the Perception of Visual Images of Breastfeeding Mothers. Breastfeed Med 2022; 17:459-465. [PMID: 35180357 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2021.0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding biases, both implicit and explicit, can impact perceived norms of breastfeeding appropriateness in a variety of contexts and influence breastfeeding behaviors. The purpose of this research was to uncover breastfeeding biases, norms, patterns, and perceptions that potentially affect the decision to initiate or sustain breastfeeding and investigate how a diverse group of women perceive images of racially/ethnically similar and different women breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: Using a panel of nationally representative respondents (oversampling key racial/ethnic subpopulations), an online mixed-methods survey was completed by a sample of women who were primary caregivers of children under 3 in November 2020. The survey included diverse images of individuals breastfeeding in various settings and respondents were asked to generate word associations and indicate perceived appropriateness and ease of breastfeeding for each image in direct, timed comparisons. Results: Respondents (N = 144) racial/ethnic identity influenced perceptions of breastfeeding ease and norms surrounding breastfeeding in public settings or in front of others. Furthermore, respondents perceived breastfeeding to be more or less appropriate based on racial identity, in particular, respondents of color seeing breastfeeding as less appropriate among racially and ethnically similar others. Conclusions: While respondents readily acknowledged the health benefits of breastfeeding and were generally supportive of images of others breastfeeding, biases about breastfeeding in public or in front of others and by race/ethnicity were apparent. Community, policy, and societal interventions are necessary to dismantle breastfeeding biases that may inequitably impact mothers' and infants' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schindler-Ruwisch
- Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Public Health, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Aika Aluc
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Chan K, Whitfield KC. Article: "Too Old" and "Too Cold": Discomfort Towards Photographs of Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy and Public Breastfeeding in Nova Scotia, Canada. J Hum Lact 2022; 38:353-363. [PMID: 34549657 PMCID: PMC9016677 DOI: 10.1177/08903344211046191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social norms and public perception of breastfeeding are well-established predictors of breastfeeding outcomes; however, little is known about perceptions of breastfeeding beyond infancy or public breastfeeding among the public in Nova Scotia, Canada. RESEARCH AIM To explore public opinion about breastfeeding beyond infancy and public breastfeeding. METHODS In this cross-sectional study participants were recruited from public spaces in Nova Scotia, Canada. Using photo elicitation methods, participants (N = 229) viewed six photographs of breastfeeding children aged 2 weeks, 13 months, and 2.5 years, one photograph captured at home, and the other in a public space (a café, a store, or outdoors). Participants were asked to score their self-rated comfort with each photograph on a 10.0 cm visual analog scale and asked to share their feelings about each photograph (open-ended responses). RESULTS Mean (SD) visual analog scale comfort scores for photographs differed by location (private, 7.9 [2.2]; public, 7.3 [2.6]; p < .05) and child age (2 weeks, 8.5 [2.0]; 13 months, 7.5 [2.6]; 2.5 years, 6.9 [3.0]; p < .05). Participants who identified as women and parents self-reported significantly higher comfort with all photographs, while younger participants and urban dwellers were generally less comfortable. Open-ended responses varied considerably, but a higher proportion of negative comments were reported for older children feeding in public spaces (e.g., 2.5-year-old in public: "Inappropriate. Indecent. Abnormal."). CONCLUSION Given the importance of social norms in supporting breastfeeding, future public health campaigns should strive to normalize breastfeeding beyond infancy, and in public spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Chan
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition,
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kyly C. Whitfield
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition,
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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5
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Bresnahan M, Zhuang J. Do Brelfies Help to Normalize Breastfeeding in Public: Lewd or Food? HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35361012 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2051271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Often, lack of support results in early termination of breastfeeding compromising infant health. Lactivists argue one way to normalize public breastfeeding is by posting brelfies on social network sites. An online experiment tested a 2 × 2 between-subjects factorial design. Participants (N = 296) were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental conditions varying the valence of comments or the control where no user comments were present. Most participants posted supportive comments. Compared to participants who only viewed brelfies, those who read any type of comment posted by other users showed negative attributions and emotions to brelfies. A number of other variables were also measured. Identification with other social media users was associated with approval for posting brelfies and supporting mothers. Emotional arousal and cognitive appraisal may be two sources of stigma about comments for brelfies even though people recognize that breastfeeding is an important health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Zhuang
- Department of Communication Studies, Texas Christian University
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6
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Zaikman Y, Houlihan AE. It's just a breast: an examination of the effects of sexualization, sexism, and breastfeeding familiarity on evaluations of public breastfeeding. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:122. [PMID: 35151260 PMCID: PMC8840320 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04436-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the legal right to breastfeed in public, women may be concerned about negative reactions from others, which may in turn impact their decision to breastfeed in public. The current study examined whether women breastfeeding in public (e.g., at a coffee shop) would be evaluated differently than women breastfeeding in private (e.g., at home) and explored several explanations for the possible differences: sexualization of the female breast (including the perceivers' gender and sexual comfort level, as well as the exposure of the breast while breastfeeding), sexist attitudes, and familiarity with breastfeeding. METHODS In August 2018, 506 adult participants, residing in the United States and recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, were randomly assigned to view an image of a woman breastfeeding (or not) while wearing a cover (or not), in a private or public location. Participants then completed measures of their emotional responses, perceptions, and behavioral intentions toward the woman in the image as well as their sexual comfort level, hostile and benevolent sexism, and knowledge of and experience with breastfeeding. RESULTS People had more favorable evaluations of breastfeeding (vs. non-breastfeeding) women, especially when they had greater sexual comfort, were more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, and were parents with at least one child who was breastfed. The location (public vs. private) and the presence or absence of a cover did not differentially influence evaluations of breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, nor did participants' gender or level of sexist attitudes. CONCLUSIONS In general, people's evaluations of breastfeeding appear to be favorable to the degree that the location of the breastfeeding is not particularly relevant to those evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliana Zaikman
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA.
| | - Amy E Houlihan
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
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Newell C, Sandoz E, Tyndall I. A Pilot Study of the Impact of Brief Exposure to Images of Breastfeeding Mothers on Attitudes Toward Mother's Breastfeeding in Public. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:185-190. [PMID: 33019836 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1830511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The wider societal attitudes held toward mothers' breastfeeding in public seem to impact infant feeding choices. The present study employed an online (N = 396) experimental pretest-posttest design set to examine whether a mere exposure effect of briefly viewing and rating the valence of four different images of public breastfeeding (i.e., mother and baby alone, females in background, males in background, and females and males in background) would impact on participants' attitudes toward a mother breastfeeding in public. There was a marginal increase in the positive attitudes toward public breastfeeding at Time 2 when compared with Time 1 following exposure to the four images. These findings support a potential positive mere exposure effect in enhancing attitudes toward breastfeeding in public. This suggests a greater use of promotional material using visual stimuli may improve societal acceptance of breastfeeding in public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Sandoz
- Department of Psychology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
| | - Ian Tyndall
- Department of Psychology, University of Chichester
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8
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Camel SP, Heathman L, Douglas CC. A Comparison of Breastfeeding Exposure, Attitude, and Knowledge Between Collegiate African American and White Males with no Biological Children. Matern Child Health J 2020; 24:875-884. [PMID: 32372241 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-02934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human milk is the preferred source of infant nourishment; yet, acceptance of human milk as the norm for infant feeding is debated. In the United States there is a disparity in breastfeeding rates, which are significantly lower in African Americans compared to Whites. Multiple variables appear to influence breastfeeding, including the male partner. OBJECTIVES To assess and compare breastfeeding exposure, attitude, and knowledge between African American and White college males with no biological children. A second objective was to explore the relationship between breastfeeding variables and educational attainment, academic major, and sibling presence. METHODS A subset of responses from a larger cross-sectional survey were analyzed. African American and White collegiate males aged 18-40 years without biological children were included in the study. The questionnaire included demographic, exposure, attitude, and knowledge items. RESULTS A total of 117 African American and 713 White males were included and represented all academic colleges on campus. African American participants documented less exposure to breastfeeding, a more positive attitude, and similar poor knowledge scores compared to their White counterparts. Sibling presence was linked with exposure, and exposure was linked to attitude. Both African American and White science majors scored higher on all factors than humanities or business majors. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Breastfeeding exposure influences males' attitudes toward breastfeeding. Future research should consider types of exposure to identify the sources most influential. Furthermore, tailoring breastfeeding interventions to increase exposure and knowledge in core wellness courses may improve attitudes and social acceptance among collegiate males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone P Camel
- College of Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
- Department of Human Ecology, College of Applied & Natural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA
| | - Leslie Heathman
- Huntsville Memorial Hospital, Food & Nutrition Services, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Crystal Clark Douglas
- College of Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
- Department of Nutrition & Metabolism, School of Health Professions, Medical Branch, The University of Texas, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-1124, USA.
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9
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Women's experiences with breastfeeding in public: An integrative review. Women Birth 2020; 34:e217-e227. [PMID: 32402811 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much evidence around public breastfeeding does not reflect experiences of the key stakeholder, the breastfeeding woman, and focuses upon the audience. Selective evidence has explored breastfeeding experiences revealing challenges with public breastfeeding as a serendipitous finding. Although women's experiences have been explored in specific contexts, insight into commonalities reflective of an international perspective is unknown. OBJECTIVE to explore, review and synthesise published literature on women's experience with public breastfeeding. METHODS An integrative review allows inclusion of findings beyond empirical evidence. Whittemore and Knafl's approach was used to capture and analyse evidence from varied sources to provide understanding of a phenomenon from diverse methodologies. PubMed, Medline, Ovid emBase, Scopus, Science Direct, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PsychINFO were searched. Inclusion criteria included publications in English after 2005 offering descriptions of women's experiences. Data evaluation included assessment of literature quality. A constant comparison approach involved comparing, analysing and drawing similar concepts into themes. FINDINGS Integration of women's experience with public breastfeeding from 27 publications covering 12 countries revealed two key themes, what women shared as 'enhancing' and 'challenging'. Challenges included four subthemes: 'drawing attention', 'sexualisation of breasts', 'awareness of others' discomfort', and 'efforts not to be seen'. Enhancing incorporated subthemes: 'supportive audience' and 'confidence'. CONCLUSION Challenges confirm an international commonality that women encounter during public breastfeeding suggesting a multilayered approach addressing community and societal behaviours is required. Insight to enhance public breastfeeding experiences offers direction to improve support.
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10
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Chan K, Whitfield KC. Exploring Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitudes among Noncaregivers: A Narrative Review. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2019; 81:97-104. [PMID: 31736323 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2019-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond are well-established infant feeding recommendations based on evidence that breastfeeding has unparalleled maternal and infant health benefits as well as environmental and economic benefits. As with many high-income countries, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal with only a quarter of Canadian and European infants receiving breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding promotion efforts have largely targeted caregivers in the prenatal and postnatal period; however, breastfeeding outcomes have been shown to be associated with broader sociocultural factors. Noncaregivers play an influential role in infant feeding at both an individual level (e.g., cues and input from health care practitioners and caregivers' social networks; as future parents) as well as a broader population level (sociocultural norms and policy decisions). This paper outlines recent research on breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of noncaregivers by population subgroup. Positive correlations have been identified between breastfeeding attitudes, infant feeding knowledge, breastfeeding exposure, and breastfeeding intention among different subgroups; however, key knowledge gaps, lack of exposure to breastfeeding, and negative public perceptions of breastfeeding persist. Dietitians can advocate for breastfeeding promotion strategies that consider the role of noncaregivers to address sociocultural norms around breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Chan
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.,Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
| | - Kyly C Whitfield
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.,Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
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11
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Heathman L, Douglas CC, Camel SP. Relationship among Breastfeeding Exposure, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Collegiate Males Residing in East Texas. J Hum Lact 2019; 35:782-789. [PMID: 30543759 DOI: 10.1177/0890334418817516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers exploring breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among women suggest the decision to breastfeed is influenced by the male partner, yet few studies address males. Because collegiate males will soon enter fatherhood, assessment of their attitudes and knowledge may inform interventions aimed at increasing intention to breastfeed. RESEARCH AIM This study aimed to describe collegiate males' exposure to, attitude toward, and knowledge about breastfeeding. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was used with males ≥ 18 years of age enrolled at a Texas public university. Attitude indices measured included social limitations, public displays of breastfeeding, and employer accommodations. Descriptive statistics, correlational and regression analyses were employed. RESULTS The participants' (N = 949) average age was 25.48 years; > 80% reported not being fathers. Exposure to breastfeeding was high; > 80% witnessed breastfeeding and/or had someone close breastfeed. High attitude scores indicated social acceptability of breastfeeding. Knowledge appeared limited: only 16% identified the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; > 50% overlooked the reduced risk for overweight/obesity, ear infections, diarrhea, or food allergies. Correlations between knowledge, exposure, total attitude, and index scores were positive (p < .01) except for the public displays index. Stepwise multiple regression determined that breastfeeding exposure, knowledge scores, and father's educational level predicted total attitude score, (R2 = 0.13, F (3,851) = 44.02, p < .01). CONCLUSION The positive attitudes outcome among this male population is promising for breastfeeding support and advocacy. Education efforts improving knowledge will likely increase behavioral intention, resulting in increased breastfeeding rates and duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Heathman
- Huntsville Memorial Hospital, Food & Nutrition Services, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Crystal Clark Douglas
- Sam Houston State University, College of Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Simone P Camel
- Sam Houston State University, College of Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Huntsville, TX, USA
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12
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Giles F. Images of women breastfeeding in public: solitude and sociality in recent photographic portraiture. Int Breastfeed J 2018; 13:52. [PMID: 30534190 PMCID: PMC6282357 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-018-0194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Contemporary images of women breastfeeding — from breastfeeding selfies to fine art — celebrate breastfeeding outside the home by displaying visual records of these occasions to a wider audience. From brelfies posted by celebrities and ordinary parents on social media, to the photography of Tara Ruby and Ivette Ivens, media coverage of lactivist nurse-ins, or fine-art works by Ashlee Jenkins and Sky Boucher, the repertoire of breastfeeding images in developed Western nations has grown and diversified exponentially in the past ten years. A subject that was once the province of religious painting, ethnography, public health advocacy or obscure corners of pornography, is increasingly made visible within the everyday, not only through self-portraiture on social media but also through the work of celebrated photographers and visual artists. Despite this, there is still an absence of images of women breastfeeding in social circumstances, suggesting a reluctance to make the leap from understanding breastfeeding as a solitary activity, regardless of the space the mother inhabits at the time, to a companionable behaviour integral to our social landscape. Images predominate of women breastfeeding alone, or at best with other breastfeeding women, revealing a further binary dividing the acceptable from the unacceptable, where the private vs. public has been conflated with the solitary vs. social. This article provides a textual analysis of contemporary photographic portraiture to interpret the meanings of key works, and their patterns of signification. It asks to what extent these images advance efforts to normalize breastfeeding and make it publicly commonplace, or reinforce unhelpful binaries, using an iconography based on the religious origins of portraiture itself: the virtuous, devoted mother, unaccompanied but for her child. I conclude that the lack of images where breastfeeding women are integrated into social occasions is partly due to the lack of opportunities for women to breastfeed socially, and few motives for these instances to be recorded, and that there is an unspoken proxemics of viewing space yet to be traversed.
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13
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Martins FDP, Leal LP, Linhares FMP, Santos AHDS, Leite GDO, Pontes CM. Effect of the board game as educational technology on schoolchildren's knowledge on breastfeeding1. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2018; 26:e3049. [PMID: 30183874 PMCID: PMC6136527 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.2316.3049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: to evaluate the effect of the board game as an educational technology on
schoolchildren’s knowledge on breastfeeding. Method: cluster-randomized clinical trial, held in nine schools, with 99 children in
the third grade of elementary school (control group = 51 and intervention
group = 48). The pretest was conducted in both groups; intervention
consisted in the application of the educational technology immediately after
pretest to the intervention group; and the post-test was applied on the 7th
and 30th days to both groups. For the analysis of children’s knowledge on
breastfeeding, we considered the pre- and post-test score means, using the
Mann-Whitney test - for comparing the means between groups - and the
Wilcoxon test - within the same group. Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the
pretest. In the follow-up, when comparing the groups, there were higher
means in the intervention group, on the 7th (19.68 ±1.788) and on the 30th
(20.16±1.260) days, with statistically significant difference. Within the
intervention group, there was significant increase of the means in the
pretest (15.89±3.082) for the 30th day (20.16±1.260). Conclusion: such educational intervention has significantly contributed to the increase
in scores of children’s knowledge on breastfeeding for the intervention
group. UTN: U1111-1184-7386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Demutti Pimpão Martins
- Doctoral student, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil. Scholarship holder at Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil
| | - Luciana Pedrosa Leal
- PhD, Adjunct Professor, Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Cleide Maria Pontes
- PhD, Full Professor, Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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