Abstract
Breastfeeding is recognised globally as the optimal method of infant feeding. For Murphy (1999) its nutritional superiority positions breastfeeding as a moral imperative where mothers who formula-feed are open to charges of maternal deviance and must account for their behaviour. We suggest that this moral superiority of breastfeeding is tenuous for mothers from marginalised contexts and competes with discourses which locate breastfeeding, rather than formula feeding, as maternal deviance. We draw on focus group and interview data from 27 adolescent mothers from socio-economically deprived neighbourhoods in three areas of the UK, and five early years professionals working at a Children's Centre in the Northeast of England. We argue that breastfeeding is constructed as deviance at three 'levels' as (i) a deviation from broad social norms about women's bodies, (ii) a deviation from local mothering behaviours and (iii) a transgression within micro-level interpersonal and familial relationships. Given this positioning of breastfeeding as deviant, breastfeeding mothers feel obliged to account for their deviance. In making this argument, we extend and rework Murphy's (1999) framework to encompass diverse experiences of infant feeding. We conclude with reflections on future research directions and potential implications for practice.
Highlights
Breastfeeding is associated with a range of short- and long-term positive health outcomes for mothers and infants (Horta et al 2007)
Breastfeeding as deviant Our participants found themselves in a quandary around infant feeding
As such our participants were caught between two deviances – formula feeding framed as deviant by wider society and medical literature and breastfeeding framed as deviant within their local areas and social networks
Summary
Breastfeeding is associated with a range of short- and long-term positive health outcomes for mothers and infants (Horta et al 2007). Patterns of breastfeeding mirror wider health inequalities where mothers with low educational attainment, those living in socioeconomically deprived areas and young mothers are the least likely to breastfeed (McAndrew et al 2012). This is likely to compound and exacerbate existing health inequalities. Rather the distinctiveness of adolescent motherhood, being often unplanned and highly stigmatised (Yardley 2008), means feeding decisions are often conceptualised differently and different challenges occur
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
