Trade-offs underlying maternal breastfeeding decisions: a conceptual model

Tully, K.P.; Ball, H.L.

doi:10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00378.x

Trade-offs underlying maternal breastfeeding decisions: a conceptual model

Tully, K.P.; Ball, H.L.

Authors

K.P. Tully

Professor Helen Ball h.l.ball@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Abstract

This paper presents a new conceptual model that generates predictions about breastfeeding decisions and identifies interactions that affect outcomes. We offer a contextual approach to infant feeding that models multi-directional influences by expanding on the evolutionary parent–offspring conflict and situation-specific breastfeeding theories. The main hypothesis generated from our framework suggests that simultaneously addressing breastfeeding costs and benefits, in relation to how they are interpreted by mothers, will be most effective. Our approach focuses on contributors to the attitudes and commitment underlying breastfeeding outcomes, beginning in the prenatal period. We conclude that some maternal–offspring conflict is inherent with the dynamic infant feeding relationship. Guidance that anticipates and addresses family trade-offs over time can be incorporated into breastfeeding support for families.

Citation

Tully, K., & Ball, H. (2013). Trade-offs underlying maternal breastfeeding decisions: a conceptual model. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 9(1), 90-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00378.x

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2013
Deposit Date	Jan 30, 2012
Publicly Available Date	Mar 27, 2013
Journal	Maternal and Child Nutrition
Print ISSN	1740-8695
Electronic ISSN	1740-8709
Publisher	Wiley Open Access
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	9
Issue	1
Pages	90-98
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00378.x
Keywords	Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, Evolution, Infant feeding decisions, Multidisciplinary approaches, Research methodology.

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Copyright Statement
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Tully, K. P. and Ball, H. L. (2013), Trade-offs underlying maternal breastfeeding decisions: a conceptual model. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 9 (1): 90–98, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00378.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.