An ecological perspective of breastfeeding in an indigenous community

Joan E. Dodgson, Laura Duckett, Ann Garwick, Barbara L. Graham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the sociocultural patterns that promote breastfeeding or weaning in the Ojibwe community, which has very low breastfeeding rates compared to the general population. Design: A focused ethnographic approach with an ecological framework provided community level data. Semi-structured interviews (N=52) were conducted in an urban Ojibwe community and with three groups of women: health or social service providers, women currently breastfeeding, or people who acted as resources. Methods: Data were analyzed using an ethnographic approach. Group summaries were compiled and community-level patterns were identified. Findings: Four patterns were identified that encompassed the influences of (a) Ojibwe and mainstream cultures (traditions), (b) communication-related barriers from a variety of sources (mixed messages), (c) socioeconomic issues (life circumstances) and (d) social support (nurturing and supporting). Conclusions: The values and practices of the studied group were not always congruent with those of the larger mainstream culture. Successful breastfeeding promotion and intervention programs based on culturally relevant perspectives are needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)235-241
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

Keywords

  • American Indian
  • Breastfeeding
  • Ecological approach
  • Ethnography

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An ecological perspective of breastfeeding in an indigenous community'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this