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Updated: May 11, 2026
05:04
A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
Significant others, situations and infant feeding behaviour change processes: a serial qualitative interview study
Rhona J McInnes1, Pat Hoddinott, Jane Britten
1School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK. r.j.mcinnes@stir.ac.uk
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|May 18, 2013
Summary
Family wellbeing, not just breastfeeding, drives infant feeding decisions. A holistic, family-centered approach is more effective than focusing solely on individual mothers for infant feeding success.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Behavioral Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding until six months is recommended by the World Health Organisation.
- Current approaches focus on educating individual women rather than understanding broader behavior change factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influences of significant others on women's infant feeding behavior.
- To identify processes that affect infant feeding behavior change.
Main Methods:
- Serial qualitative interviews with 36 women and 37 significant others.
- Interviews conducted from late pregnancy to six months postpartum.
- Analysis focused on pivotal behavior change points in infant feeding.
Main Results:
- Family wellbeing was the primary motivator for behavior change, surpassing exclusive breastfeeding goals.
- Infant feeding decisions were influenced by a complex interplay of self, baby, significant others, situations, and past experiences.
- Women sought support to confirm decisions and maintain maternal confidence post-behavior change.
Conclusions:
- Ecological models can enhance health services by focusing on family efficacy and wellbeing.
- A paradigm shift towards a holistic, family-centered narrative approach is recommended.
- Health professionals can play a constructive role during pivotal infant feeding behavior changes.
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