What do Arabic women think of breastfeeding?
After weeks of trying, you finally get the hang of breastfeeding your new baby. And your proud, except your mother in law says your baby is too skinny.
A small study from the University of Technology Sydney has found that this is the sort of pressure Arabic women experience from their community when breastfeeding.
It’s a balancing act of different priorities- on the one hand, breastfeeding is culturally seen as being best for the baby, on the other, many Arabic mothers and grandmothers suggest formula for “big healthy babies”.
Amanda Rehayem is a clinical midwife and honours student at the University of Technology Sydney. She spoke to Ellen Leabeater about her research.
Image: Fernando on Flickr.
