Best of Intentions: Influential Factors in Infant Feeding Intent among Marshallese Pregnant Women

Britni L. Ayers, Rachel S. Purvis, Alexis White, Sheena CarlLee, Jennifer A. Andersen, Cari A. Bogulski and Pearl A. McElfish
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Britni L. Ayers: College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
Rachel S. Purvis: College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
Alexis White: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
Sheena CarlLee: College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
Jennifer A. Andersen: College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
Cari A. Bogulski: Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
Pearl A. McElfish: College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the beliefs, intentions, and influences that serve as barriers and facilitators to exclusive breastfeeding intent among Marshallese pregnant women in the United States (US). The study used a descriptive qualitative design. In total, 36 Marshallese women in their third trimester of pregnancy participated. Participants described exclusive breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding, from both individual and community perspectives. Exclusive breastfeeding was viewed as the healthiest for the infant, viewed as offering protection against sickness, and viewed as better for the overall development of the infant. Of the 36 participants, 28 participants (77.8%) stated that their infant feeding intentions included a hybrid of breastfeeding and formula feeding. The dominant barrier to exclusive breastfeeding was the need to work outside of the home. Unexpected barriers to exclusive breastfeeding were the desire for autonomy and a preference to exclusively breastfeed female infants more than male infants. Exclusive breastfeeding facilitators included support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and support and encouragement from female family/community members. This study is the first to document beliefs, intentions, and influences that serve as barriers and facilitators to exclusive breastfeeding among Marshallese pregnant women residing in the US.

Keywords: Marshallese; infant feeding intentions; infant nutrition; exclusive breastfeeding (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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