Breastfeeding experiences and women's self-concept: Negotiations and dilemmas in the transition to motherhood

Abstract

IntroductionBreastfeeding is much more than a biological event. It is a social construction, full of cultural meanings and framed by social structures. Being, simultaneously, a natural event and a social practice, breastfeeding poses challenges to feminist approaches in the sense it may be acknowledged as an empowering practice for women and/or as a setback in the process of women's social emancipation. Often focused on the product, i.e., the milk and its beneficial properties for the infant's health, the dominant discourse on breastfeeding makes it a trait of good mothering, withdrawing the understanding of the particular (but also structural) contexts in which this practice occurs.MethodsBased on results from a focus group with five mothers of a first child, this paper addresses first-person testimonies about breastfeeding and transition to motherhood, aiming to capture eventual self-concept dilemmas, impacts of social judgments, difficulties related to the work-family balance, as well as negotiation processes taking place within couples and early-parents.Results and discussionDespite being subject to tensions and sometimes stressful adaptation processes, motherhood and breastfeeding tend to be ultimately described by women as experiences that enhance welcome changes in personal trajectories, life priorities and identities.

Paid Parental Leave in Correlation with Changing Gender Role Attitudes

“…Moreover, breastfeeding can be identified as an exceptional topic, theoretically and practically, in the discussion on the correlation of biological differences with gender inequalities (Rose et al 2015;Hausen 1976). There are numerous studies exploring how breastfeeding is affected by cultural norms, socioeconomic inequalities, and organizational and institutional practices (Augusto et al 2023;Weber et al 2011;Cervera-Gasch et al 2020;Hamilton 2020;Mabaso et al 2022). Although the ability to breastfeed during a child's infancy can be identified as a clear biological difference between men and women, there are caring men with "caring hands" who can transcend gender boundaries, including by applying caring hands (Magaraggia 2013).…”