Date of Award

1-1-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Kris Morehouse

Abstract

The decision to breastfeed is a deeply personal one for every woman. There are often factors such as family and medical support that are outside a new mother's control and can influence her in how she views the nourishment of her infant. Previous studies have documented the effect doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants have on breastfeeding success. Less popular, however, is investigating how familial support and interpersonal communication plays a role in encouraging or discouraging the practice. This study examines how mothers and daughters communicate about breastfeeding, and the role it plays in both Mexico and the United States in decisions regarding breastfeeding. The analysis of personal interviews conducted in the United States and Mexico show that while mothers are an important emotional support for daughters, they are still only part of the story in ensuring breastfeeding success for new mothers.

Comments

All rights reserved.

Download

Share

COinS