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2024 | Book

Introduction Read chapter Read first chapter

Unraveling Breastfeeding Patterns in Mexico

A Case Study on Influential Factors in Early Health Choices

Author: Jamie Lee Harder

Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This book delves into the decision-making process behind (exclusive) breastfeeding in Mexico, examining the intricate interplay of individual and institutional factors that influence this critical health choice. Positioned within the context of Mexico's complex healthcare structures and existing health inequalities, this study serves as a significant case analysis within the Latin American region. Employing a comprehensive multi-methodological approach, the research combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights from interviews with mothers. With a focus on unraveling how Mexican mothers decide to breastfeed, the study addresses the impact of institutional and individual factors, and the personal and structural barriers faced by mothers. Key findings underscore the pivotal role of childbirth experiences, prenatal care quality, and social support systems in shaping breastfeeding decisions. This research reveals that, despite efforts to promote health literacy and individual responsibility, institutional factors exert significant influence on breastfeeding choices. By providing unique insights and practical implications, this research contributes substantially to the fields of public health and sociology of health.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
This work delves into the decision-making process of (exclusively) breastfeeding in Mexico, exploring the individual and institutional factors and experienced challenges that shape this important health choice. The research identifies potential strategies to increase breastfeeding rates in Mexico and provides a comprehensive sociological perspective on the factors influencing the decision to breastfeed. The findings highlight the significance of childbirth experiences, the quality of prenatal care, and social support systems in the decision-making process. Moreover, the study emphasizes that despite efforts to promote health literacy and individual responsibility, institutional factors continue to heavily influence breastfeeding decisions.
Jamie Lee Harder
Chapter 2. Theoretical Background
Abstract
Firstly, I will give an overview of breastfeeding. Specific terms such as “exclusive breastfeeding” are explained. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding are presented, especially from a sociological perspective. Secondly, the concept of “health” is defined. I will then give an overview of what “health inequality” is, what factors play a role in (healthy) life, and how the topics of health and sociology are related. In addition, I will derive the relevant factors for the work at hand and examine them in greater detail. Thirdly, I will present the theoretical concept of “health literacy”. The chapter will be concluded with a summary of the theoretical framework which I use for my work.
Jamie Lee Harder
Chapter 3. The Mexican Case: Socioeconomic Foundations
Abstract
Mexico is a particular example of how socioeconomic inequalities, a fragmented institutional health system, and the need for individual health choices are interrelated. The aim of this chapter is thus to describe the socioeconomic context of Mexico and to show that it represents an ideal-typical case of Latin American economic development associated with outdated and patchy institutional welfare state systems. This chapter sets the scene for the development of health inequalities in breastfeeding.
Jamie Lee Harder
Chapter 4. Data & Methods
Abstract
In this chapter, I unfold the data and methods I used for my empirical analysis of how different parameters drive the decision to exclusively breastfeed a newborn in Mexico. As outlined in the case study chapter, Mexico is thereby an exemplary case for Latin America. Not only does the geographic location as well as the economic developments form a pioneering role for Iberoamerica, but also the cultural and socio-economic development of the country is highly relevant for the region and can therefore provide fruitful insights for identifying challenges and barriers to the decision to exclusively breastfeed in a country of the Global South.
Jamie Lee Harder
Chapter 5. Results
Abstract
In the present results chapter, the interesting findings from both the quantitative analysis using logistic regressions and the qualitative analysis using qualitative content analysis are presented. The quantitative results offer statistically significant insights, while the qualitative results provide additional perspectives and context-specific interpretations. The combination of these two analytical approaches allows for a comprehensive examination of the investigated phenomenon, providing deep insights in my pursuit of answering my research questions on the factors influencing Mexican mothers’ decisions regarding exclusive breastfeeding, their coping strategies, and personal experiences in this regard.
Jamie Lee Harder
Chapter 6. Conclusion
Abstract
Breastfeeding is referred to as ‘hour zero’ for health and healthcare, given its profound impact on both the health of the infant as well as the mother (Hernández Pérez et al., 2018; Ishak et al., 2014; Victora et al., 2016). However, breastfeeding rates vary widely between and across countries depending on socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic factors (Habtewold et al., 2020; Pérez-Escamilla et al., 2019; P. H. Smith, 2013). Overall, the topic of breastfeeding is often discussed only as a medical issue related to the health and well-being of mother and child (Abou-Dakn, 2018).
Jamie Lee Harder
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Unraveling Breastfeeding Patterns in Mexico
Author
Jamie Lee Harder
Copyright Year
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-658-44861-5
Print ISBN
978-3-658-44860-8
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-44861-5

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