Timing Of Breastfeeding Initiation In Rural Haiti: A Focused Ethnography

Abstract

A focused ethnography aimed at describing the factors affecting the timing of breastfeeding initiation among Haitian mothers, particularly the specific cultural beliefs and practices was conducted in Artribonite, Haiti. A total of 25 Haitian mothers with children less than 12 months old participated in the study which included the use of interviews, observations and artifacts. A thick description was developed by integration of qualitative and quantitative data. Self-reported timing of breastfeeding initiation ranged from 10 minutes to 24 hours post birth among the 23 participants able to quantify the specific time of breastfeeding initiation. Birth attendants were identified as key actors related to timing of breastfeeding initiation. Baby care, and specific health issues of the mother child dyad were identified as factors. Future research should explore factors influencing timing of breastfeeding initiation particularly from perspective of birth attendants.