Abstract
Refugees often parent under extreme circumstances. Parenting practices have implications for child outcomes, and parenting in the context of refugee resettlement is likely to be dynamic as parents negotiate a new culture. This study examined African origin mothers’ infant care values and practices related to feeding, carrying, and daily activities following resettlement in the Southeastern region of the U.S. Ten African origin mothers were asked about their infant care practices through semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that mothers valued breastfeeding but often chose to use formula as a supplement or instead of breastfeeding. In addition, participants valued carrying their infants close to the body but used equipment such as strollers. Mothers expressed that perceptions of American culture and rules, social support, interactions with community agencies, and the need to engage in formal employment were factors that influenced their infant care practices.
Highlights
A 2019 report indicated that over 70 million people have been displaced worldwide and approximately 25.9 million people were living as refugees who were forced to flee their homes due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group at the end of 2018 [1]
Breastfeeding was the preferred mode of infant feeding both with infants born in the U.S and those infants who were born in refugee camps
“I always wanted to breastfeed”, and another mother said, “ . . . the breastmilk is better than the formula.”
Summary
A 2019 report indicated that over 70 million people have been displaced worldwide and approximately 25.9 million people were living as refugees who were forced to flee their homes due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group at the end of 2018 [1]. The U.S refugee resettlement program is over three decades old, and the last decade has seen approximately 70,000–80,000 refugees resettled annually from many different countries as part of a global humanitarian effort to alleviate suffering and offer new opportunities to those who have been the victims of persecution [5]. Arrivals from Africa to the U.S have increased from 9670 in 2009 to 20,400 in 2019. A marked increase in arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
