Influence of grandmothers on breastfeeding practices in a rural community in Papua New Guinea: A critical discourse analysis of first-time mothers? perspectives

Background: Almost all babies are breastfed in Papua New Guinea (PNG); yet appropriate breastfeeding practices are not always followed.Aim: To explore the perspectives of first-time mothers in rural PNG on how the language and discourse of grandmothers about infant feeding influence their breastfeeding practices.Methods: A critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach was used to theoretically frame the analysis of twenty first-time mothers' narratives.Findings: Analysis revealed three themes: (i) prescribed knowledge repository, (ii) social control and dominance, and (iii) disapproval and role conflict, which provides an understanding of grandmothers' differing views and positions on infant feeding practices and their influence on breastfeeding.Conclusion: This study shows that grandmothers remain influential in infant feeding practices in rural PNG. There appears to be a societal expectation that empowers grandmothers in the maternal decision-making processes regarding breastfeeding practice. Grandmothers' influence includes the early introduction of complementary foods to infants less than six months old. Interventions aimed at promoting, protecting, and supporting breast-feeding need to include grandmothers.

Automated summary

This study explores the influence of grandmothers' language and discourse about infant feeding on first-time mothers' breastfeeding practices in rural Papua New Guinea. The findings reveal that grandmothers have differing views and positions on infant feeding practices and their influence includes the early introduction of complementary foods. Therefore, interventions aimed at promoting breastfeeding should involve and educate grandmothers.