Infant Feeding Practices as Personal and Cultural Constructions

Abstract

How do infant feeding practices reflect the cultural values, practices, and aims of mothers? To attempt to explore the various dynamics of this question, this thesis will cover three main topics: societal and maternal concepts of childrearing and childhood, Western ideologies of motherhood, and external and internal forces that affect infant feeding. Based on analysis of current research and original interviews, I propose that infant feeding practices are not only determined based on the biological taste preferences of both mother and child and basic nutritional needs, but are also culturally constructed by personal, social, and historical influences. By recognizing that many of these practices are centered on culture, rather than necessity, mothers may be better prepared to make informed decisions and choices regarding what they want to achieve and sustain through their own feeding practices.