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Gribble KD, Smith JP, Gammeltoft T, Ulep V, Van Esterik P, Craig L, Pereira-Kotze C, Chopra D, Siregar AYM, Hajizadeh M, Mathisen R. Breastfeeding and infant care as 'sexed' care work: reconsideration of the three Rs to enable women's rights, economic empowerment, nutrition and health. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1181229. [PMID: 37886047 PMCID: PMC10599145 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1181229] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Women's lifelong health and nutrition status is intricately related to their reproductive history, including the number and spacing of their pregnancies and births, and for how long and how intensively they breastfeed their children. In turn, women's reproductive biology is closely linked to their social roles and situation, including regarding economic disadvantage and disproportionate unpaid work. Recognizing, as well as reducing and redistributing women's care and domestic work (known as the 'Three Rs'), is an established framework for addressing women's inequitable unpaid care work. However, the care work of breastfeeding presents a dilemma, and is even a divisive issue, for advocates of women's empowerment, because reducing breastfeeding and replacing it with commercial milk formula risks harming women's and children's health. It is therefore necessary for the interaction between women's reproductive biology and infant care role to be recognized in order to support women's human rights and enable governments to implement economic, employment and other policies to empower women. In this paper, we argue that breastfeeding-like childbirth-is reproductive work that should not be reduced and cannot sensibly be directly redistributed to fathers or others. Rather, we contend that the Three Rs agenda should be reconceptualized to isolate breastfeeding as 'sexed' care work that should be supported rather than reduced with action taken to avoid undermining breastfeeding. This means that initiatives toward gender equality should be assessed against their impact on women's ability to breastfeed. With this reconceptualization, adjustments are also needed to key global economic institutions and national statistical systems to appropriately recognize the value of this work. Additional structural supports such as maternity protection and childcare are needed to ensure that childbearing and breastfeeding do not disadvantage women amidst efforts to reduce gender pay gaps and gender economic inequality. Distinct policy interventions are also required to facilitate fathers' engagement in enabling and supporting breastfeeding through sharing the other unpaid care work associated with parents' time-consuming care responsibilities, for both infants and young children and related household work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karleen D. Gribble
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie P. Smith
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tine Gammeltoft
- Department of Anthropology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Valerie Ulep
- Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Penelope Van Esterik
- Department of Anthropology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lyn Craig
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Pereira-Kotze
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deepta Chopra
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Adiatma Y. M. Siregar
- Center for Economics and Development Studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Mohammad Hajizadeh
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roger Mathisen
- Alive and Thrive East Asia Pacific, FHI Solutions, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Ketema B, Bosha T, Feleke FW. Effect of maternal employment on child nutritional status in Bale Robe Town, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional analysis. J Nutr Sci 2022; 11:e28. [PMID: 35573460 PMCID: PMC9066325 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2022.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate nutrition is essential for early childhood to ensure healthy growth, proper organ formation, and function, a strong immune system, neurological and cognitive development. The main aim of the present study was to assess the effect of maternal employment on nutritional status among children aged 6-23 months in the town of Bale Robe, Ethiopia. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on about 597 (293 unemployed and 304 employed) having children aged 6-23-month-old children sampled were employed with a multistage sampling technique. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used for the statistical analysis. The magnitude of stunting (39.9 %), underweight (39⋅9 %) and wasting (22⋅2 %) was greater in 6-23-month-old children born to employed mothers than their counterparts in unemployed ones [stunted (31⋅3 %), underweight (24⋅0 %) and wasted (11⋅8 %)]. Being a girl [AOR 0⋅31; 95 % CI (0⋅17, 0⋅54)] in employed mothers and [AOR 0⋅29; 95 % CI (0⋅16, 0⋅51)] in unemployed people significantly protected stunting. This study demonstrated that the nutritional status of 6-23-month-old children is better among unemployed mothers than among employed mothers. Therefore, concerted efforts may decrease child undernutrition in a study area.
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Key Words
- Bale Robe
- EBF, Exclusive Breastfeeding
- Ethiopia
- HAZ, Height-for-Age Z-score
- Infant and young child
- MAD, Minimum Acceptable Diet
- MDD, Minimum Diet Diversity
- MMF, Minimum Meal Frequency
- MUAC, Mid-upper arm circumference
- MUACAZ, Mid-upper arm circumference-for-age Z-score
- PCA, Principal Component Analysis
- PI, Principal Investigator
- SPSS, Statistical Product and Service Solutions
- Stunting
- UNICEF, United Nations Children's Fund
- Underweight
- WAZ, Weight-for-Age Z-score
- WHO, World Health Organization
- WHZ, Weight-for-Height Z-Score
- Wasting
- sd, Standard Deviation
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Affiliation(s)
- Bezawit Ketema
- College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Tafese Bosha
- College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Fentaw Wassie Feleke
- College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- College of Health Science, Woldia University, P.O. Box 400, Woldia, Ethiopia
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Dieterich RR, Sereika S, Demirci J. Early Postpartum Patterns of Breastfeeding Exclusivity and Perceived Insufficient Milk by Prepregnancy Body Mass Index. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2022; 51:205-217. [PMID: 34793724 PMCID: PMC8901544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore trajectories of breastfeeding exclusivity and perceived insufficient milk (PIM) over the first 8 weeks postpartum among primiparous women and the association of these trajectories with prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). DESIGN Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. SETTING Recruitment for the primary study was conducted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS One hundred twenty-two primiparous women with intention to exclusively breastfeed. METHODS We used group-based trajectory modeling to classify participants into breastfeeding exclusivity and PIM trajectory groups. We used logistic regression to explore the predictive relationship between prepregnancy BMI and breastfeeding exclusivity and PIM trajectory group memberships. RESULTS We identified two trajectories each for breastfeeding exclusivity and PIM over the first 8 weeks postpartum. For breastfeeding exclusivity, one group (n = 60, 49%) had low initial probability of exclusive breastfeeding with linear decline in likelihood of exclusivity over time. The other group (n = 62, 51%) had greater initial probability of exclusive breastfeeding, which remained constant over time. For PIM, one group (n = 41, 34%) had consistently greater probability of endorsing PIM at each time point, whereas the other group (n = 81, 66%) had consistently low probability of endorsing PIM over time. Prepregnancy BMI did not predict group membership in breastfeeding exclusivity, χ2(1) = 2.8, p = .094, or PIM, χ2(1) = 0.72, p = .397. CONCLUSION Breastfeeding exclusivity and PIM appeared to be relatively stable phenomena in the postpartum period among a sample of predominately White primiparous women who intended to breastfeed. We did not find a clear association with prepregnancy BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Sereika
- Associate Dean for Research and Education Support Services, Health & Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jill Demirci
- Health Promotion and Development, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Dieterich R, Chang J, Danford C, Scott PW, Wend C, Demirci J. The Relationship Between Internalized Weight Stigma During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2021; 29:919-927. [PMID: 33817987 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationship between internalized weight stigma during pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes at 1 month post partum among individuals with prepregnancy overweight or obesity. Secondarily, the study explored the temporal stability of internalized weight stigma from the third trimester to 1 month post partum via the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). METHODS A total of 103 pregnant individuals with overweight or obesity were recruited for this study. Participants completed the WBIS during the third trimester and self-reported breastfeeding initiation, continuation, and exclusivity outcomes at 1 month post partum. A paired t test and binomial logistic regression were conducted with covariates hierarchically added to the model. RESULTS The average prepregnancy BMI was 33.53 (SD 7.17) kg/m2 (range = 25.4-62), and average prenatal WBIS scores were 25.95 (SD 11.83). No difference was found in mean prenatal and postpartum scores (25.95 [SD 11.83]; 26.86 [SD 13.03], respectively; t94 = -0.83, P = 0.41), evidencing temporal stability in WBIS scores from pre to post partum. Prenatal WBIS scores did not predict breastfeeding initiation, continuation, or exclusivity at 1 month post partum in either unadjusted or adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this sample displayed low weight bias internalization, which was not predictive of breastfeeding initiation, continuation, or exclusivity at 1 month post partum. Future research is needed to develop a pregnancy-specific weight stigma measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dieterich
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Judy Chang
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cynthia Danford
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul W Scott
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Caroline Wend
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jill Demirci
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Dieterich R, Demirci J. Communication practices of healthcare professionals when caring for overweight/obese pregnant women: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1902-1912. [PMID: 32513475 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize existing research on communication practices between healthcare professionals and overweight and obese pregnant women. METHODS Following PRISMA guidance on conducting scoping reviews, we included original research addressing communication/counseling practices of healthcare professionals with overweight and/or obese pregnant women, published between 2008-2018, and available in English. Fourteen articles are included in this review. RESULTS Study findings were organized into three themes: (a) topics addressed during encounters, (b) providers' comfort/confidence, knowledge and methods in communicating with overweight/obese pregnant women, and (c) overweight/obese pregnant women's experiences in communicating with healthcare providers. The most prevalent topics addressed were gestational weight gain, physical activity, and nutrition. Healthcare professionals experience discomfort and are reluctant to address weight status with overweight/obese pregnant patients, use vague statements about weight gain and weight-related obstetric risks, and report low confidence when counseling obese pregnant women. Overweight/obese pregnant women perceive weight stigma when interacting with providers. CONCLUSION Weight-related counseling in obstetric care is suboptimal. Providers may benefit from training to more confidently and effectively counsel overweight and obese pregnant women about gestational weight gain, physical activity, and nutrition. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Patients perceive weight stigma in the obstetric setting, which may be prevented by effective, patient-centered communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dieterich
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Jill Demirci
- Department of Health Promotion & Development, Development of Pediatrics, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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