Maternal Lactation: A Qualitative Analysis of the Breastfeeding Habits and Beliefs of Pregnant Women Living in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Forty mothers were interviewed in the San Juan Lurigancho district of Lima, Peru to determine what factors influence whether a mother will continue to nurse during a subsequent pregnancy. The results of the three-month in-depth qualitative study demonstrate that there are a variety of factors that alone or jointly influence a woman's decision to try to wean her child, especially when she becomes pregnant. These factors, such as cultural beliefs and the role of family and community, once understood by public health entities will provide information that can be used in the development of clear public health messages and premature weaning interventions. Such an understanding will also alert health professionals to the need for further research and the need to implement case-specific methodology in the creation of maternal and child health education programs and curriculum.