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

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.

“It’s Okay With Our Culture but We’re in a Different Place and We Have to Show Respect”: Marshallese Migrants and Exclusive Breastfeeding Initiation

“…The researchers in this study explored infant feeding beliefs and experiences of Marshallese women living in the United States at 6-8 weeks postpartum. A majority of the participants' infant feeding initiation at 6-8 weeks postpartum included both breastfeeding and formula-feeding, which closely reflected the infant feeding intention of the cohort in a quantitative survey collected at third trimester (n = 28, 77.8%) (Ayers, et al, 2022). Participants discussed how the need to work outside of the home was influential in their choice to formula-feed their infants.…”

Sociodemographic and Personal Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Pregnant Mexican Women Using Public Health Services

“…Maternal work has been associated with an increased risk of breastfeeding cessation at 6 months of age, while modifiable factors, such as attitudes, breastfeeding knowledge, and intention to breastfeed, decrease the risk of early cessation [ 39 , 40 ]. On the other hand, breastfeeding-supportive workplaces have a positive effect on perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy and are associated with longer breastfeeding duration [ 41 ].…”