Newswise — COLUMBIA, Mo. --Although formula-feeding babies is a safe and convenient choice, scientific research has consistently demonstrated the numerous health advantages associated with natural breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. For mothers, breastfeeding promotes postpartum recovery and reduces the risk of cancer. In infants, the essential nutrients found in breast milk strengthen the immune system and decrease the likelihood of developing obesity and diabetes.
A recent study conducted at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence mothers, particularly in rural areas where breastfeeding is less prevalent, in their decision-making process regarding infant feeding. Karry Weston, a doctoral student at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing, interviewed women in Missouri who actively chose to breastfeed their babies to explore the influences that shaped their decisions. The study found that when these women received education about the health benefits of breastfeeding and had the support of family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers who also breastfed, the stigma surrounding breastfeeding was diminished due to increased community exposure.
Weston recalled a specific woman from a rural area who shared her experience, stating that in her community, nobody breastfed because formula feeding was the cultural norm and people did not want to deviate from it. However, once this woman courageously decided to breastfeed her baby, her friends, who were also mothers, followed suit. Witnessing their friend successfully breastfeeding made them feel more comfortable, and as a result, breastfeeding became normalized within their community.
Having grown up in rural Missouri herself, Weston is currently engaged in a project that seeks to comprehend the factors that influence mothers' decisions regarding breastfeeding, specifically in rural areas. This research endeavor has received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Weston believes that by increasing both education and community exposure, individuals can expand their perspectives, reconsider their choices, and learn about alternative options or approaches, which could significantly enhance healthcare outcomes. Although her current focus centers on increasing breastfeeding rates due to its associated health benefits, Weston envisions that studying the factors influencing decision-making could prove invaluable in other areas of research, such as diabetes management or even exercise.
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