2026-05-18T17:38:55Zhttps://keep.lib.asu.edu/oai/requestoai:keep.lib.asu.edu:node-2000652025-07-17T19:39:31Zoai_pmh:alloai_pmh:repo_items200065
https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.200065
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
2025-05
43 pages
Navarro, Elizabeth
Whisner, Corrie
Reifsnider, Elizabeth
Barrett, The Honors College
School of Social Transformation
School of Human Evolution & Social Change
Department of Psychology
Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits to both infants and mothers, including protection against chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, as well as improvements in infant cognitive development. However, despite these well-documented advantages, many women face barriers that cut their breastfeeding journeys short, including societal stigma and workplace challenges. Breastfeeding is not merely a biological process but also a social phenomenon influenced by various factors. While previous studies have examined the effects of age, employment status, race/ethnicity, and physiological factors on breastfeeding duration individually, there is a significant gap in research that considers all these factors collectively. This thesis project seeks to address this gap by analyzing how these variables interact to influence breastfeeding duration. By investigating whether age, race/ethnicity, employment status, or physiology has a greater impact-or if a combination of these factors plays a role-this research will provide an intersectional perspective on breastfeeding practices. Understanding these influences can help identify which demographics require greater support in achieving breastfeeding goals, ultimately informing policies and interventions to improve breastfeeding rates and acceptance.
Breastfeeding
Maternal Health
Infant Health
Breastfeeding Expectations
Race
Working Mothers
From Ideal to Real: Investigating the Impact of Social Responsibilities, Physiology, Work Status and Race on Breastfeeding Expectations