Mama Knows Best: Breastfeeding Knowledge and Duration in a Social Network
Advisor Information
Timi Barone
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 9:00 AM
End Date
6-3-2015 10:30 AM
Abstract
Breastfeeding in the U.S. lies at the intersection of popular, folk and professional knowledge, as mothers are exposed to a variety of “experts”. This study examines how breastfeeding knowledge moves through a mother’s social network and its perceived effect on duration. In-depth interviews and social network mapping tracks how knowledge is created and shared through social networks of current or recently breastfeeding women. Although women are exposed to a variety of sources of information, popular knowledge provided by those closest to them in their networks has the strongest effect on success and duration. Breastfeeding success is who - and what - you know.
Mama Knows Best: Breastfeeding Knowledge and Duration in a Social Network
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Breastfeeding in the U.S. lies at the intersection of popular, folk and professional knowledge, as mothers are exposed to a variety of “experts”. This study examines how breastfeeding knowledge moves through a mother’s social network and its perceived effect on duration. In-depth interviews and social network mapping tracks how knowledge is created and shared through social networks of current or recently breastfeeding women. Although women are exposed to a variety of sources of information, popular knowledge provided by those closest to them in their networks has the strongest effect on success and duration. Breastfeeding success is who - and what - you know.