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Resisting stigma: the role of online communities in young mothers' successful breastfeeding.

Christina SeverinsenEva NeelyRochelle Hutson
Published in: International breastfeeding journal (2024)
Our research highlights the importance of online communities as a tool for young mothers to navigate and resist the societal stigmas surrounding breastfeeding. Online spaces can provide a unique structure that can help counteract the adverse effects of social and historical determinants on breastfeeding rates by fostering a sense of inclusion and support. These findings have implications for the development of breastfeeding promotion strategies for young mothers and highlight the potential of peer support in counteracting the negative impacts of stigma. The research also sheds light on the experiences of young mothers within the health professional relationship and the effects of stigma and cultural health capital on their engagement and withdrawal from services. Further research should examine how sociocultural barriers to breastfeeding stigmatise and marginalise young mothers and continue to reflect on their socio-political and economic positioning and how it can exacerbate inequities.
Keyphrases
  • mental health
  • preterm infants
  • healthcare
  • health information
  • social media
  • middle aged
  • mental illness
  • public health
  • hiv aids
  • risk assessment
  • climate change
  • life cycle