Influence of grandmothers on breastfeeding practices in a rural community in Papua New Guinea: A critical discourse analysis of first-time mothers’ perspectives
File version
Author(s)
Kaforau, LM
Hastie, C
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Background: Almost all babies are breastfed in Papua New Guinea (PNG); yet appropriate breastfeeding practices are not always followed. Aim: To explore the perspectives of first-time mothers in rural PNG on how the language and discourse of grandmothers about infant feeding influence their breastfeeding practices. Methods: A critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach was used to theoretically frame the analysis of twenty first-time mothers’ narratives. Findings: Analysis revealed three themes: (i) prescribed knowledge repository, (ii) social control and dominance, and (iii) disapproval and role conflict, which provides an understanding of grandmothers’ differing views and positions on infant feeding practices and their influence on breastfeeding. Conclusion: This study shows that grandmothers remain influential in infant feeding practices in rural PNG. There appears to be a societal expectation that empowers grandmothers in the maternal decision-making processes regarding breastfeeding practice. Grandmothers’ influence includes the early introduction of complementary foods to infants less than six months old. Interventions aimed at promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding need to include grandmothers.
Journal Title
Women and Birth
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Sociology
Social and cultural anthropology
Medical anthropology
Reproductive medicine
Midwifery
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Maviso, MK; Kaforau, LM; Hastie, C, Influence of grandmothers on breastfeeding practices in a rural community in Papua New Guinea: A critical discourse analysis of first-time mothers’ perspectives, Women and Birth, 2022