Paper short abstract:

Research exploring breastfeeding practices and perceptions among young mothers in the Dominican Republic revealed generational shifts toward shorter duration of breastfeeding and, despite advocacy, confusion over general recommendations from professionals.

Paper long abstract:

Research exploring breastfeeding practices and perceptions among young mothers in the Dominican Republic revealed generational shifts toward shorter duration of breastfeeding and, despite advocacy, confusion over general recommendations from professionals. Despite widespread concern over the well being of children and families, the Dominican Republic, as one of the poorest countries in Latin America, also has the second highest maternal mortality rate and adolescent birth rate in the region, and ranks third in terms of infant mortality. Several initiatives have been in place to improve these conditions including UNICEF's push for Baby Friendly Hospitals. These hospitals target the health of mothers and newborns, and strongly promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is known to significantly improve outcomes for both babies and mothers; exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is ideal, and continued breastfeeding up to two years is recommended. Qualitative research in a rural region of the Dominican Republic among young mothers reveals that messages from health care professionals are poorly understood and sometimes interpreted incorrectly. For example, several mothers stated that they were to breastfeed their babies for only six months, while professionals said the recommendation is to exclusively breastfeed - give only breastfeed milk - for six months. This research paper explores the narratives of young mothers and grandmothers surrounding their understandings of breastfeeding. This on-going research project suggests that broader cultural understandings of breastfeeding practices and advocacy need to be considered if the low breastfeeding trends in the Dominican Republic are to improve.