An Ethnographic Exploration of the Influences of Infant Feeding Decisions among First and Second Generation Mexican-American Mothers

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore what influences first and second generation Mexican-American women’s infant feeding decisions. A qualitative ethnographic study design using participant observation and interviews was utilized. Purposive sampling, convenience sampling, and snowball sampling were employed to recruit and enroll eligible participants. The number of participants recruited into the study was dependent upon those willing to participate and the achievement of data saturation which was attained after 10 participants completed their interviews. Field notes were taken and emic and etic perspectives were utilized. Thematic analysis and coding of transcribed interviews and field notes was conducted and yielded the following themes: Influences to breastfeed: Breast is best which includes the commitment to doing what was best for the infant, maintaining family or cultural tradition, the support of the family, community programs/support, breastfeeding allows bonding with the baby, breastfeeding is healthier, breastfeeding allows bonding with the baby, breastfed babies do not get sick as often, breastfeeding provides complete nutrition, breastfeeding enables better growth and development, breastfeeding has maternal benefits, breastfeeding is supported in media, social media and/or publications; the theme The challenges of breastfeeding includes: breastfeeding is physically and/or emotionally demanding, lack of confidence or breastfeeding education, getting the correct latch or position; pumping breast milk is a difficult endeavor and public acceptance of breastfeeding and privacy concerns; the theme Influences for infant formula feeding: It’s an alternative includes that formula feeding is convenient and easier and the impact of maternal of infant physical complications; the theme Disadvantages of formula feeding and the theme Mexican traditions. The discussion includes clinical implications of the results as well as recommendations for future research.