The First 1000 Days of Life: Breastfeeding in The Cook Islands-An Ecological Perspective Using Bronfenbrenner's Model
Seema Lal-Kumar1, Hem Dayal2, Nuhisifa Seve-Williams2
1Te Marae Ora-Ministry of Health, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|August 22, 2025
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding in the Cook Islands faces challenges despite family support. Interventions must address individual, family, community, and societal factors for optimal infant nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Child Nutrition
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- The first 1,000 days (conception to 2 years) are critical for child development and long-term health.
- Optimal nutrition during this period is essential for lifelong well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate infant feeding practices in the Cook Islands.
- To apply Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory to understand feeding influences.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative 'Korero' interviews with 50 parents/caregivers of children under 6 years.
- Data collected from Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Atiu islands.
- Thematic analysis and mapping onto the ecological model.
Main Results:
- Family support exists for breastfeeding initiation.
- Barriers to exclusive and continued breastfeeding were identified.
- Challenges include limited perinatal support, inadequate workplace accommodations, economic pressures, migration, and reliance on processed foods.
Conclusions:
- Multi-level, context-specific interventions are needed to promote exclusive breastfeeding.
- Interventions must consider the interplay of individual, family, community, and societal factors.
- Addressing sociocultural shifts is crucial for improving infant feeding practices.
Keywords:
cultural influencesearly childhood cariesfeeding practicesmaternal healthsocio‐economic factorsMore Related Videos
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