Abstract
To examine the influence of habitus on women's health behavior regarding breastfeeding and subsequent COVID-19 vaccination. A qualitative descriptive design, guided by Pierre Bourdieu's concept of habitus. Eighteen women who were postpartum, breastfeeding, and vaccinated against COVID- 19 either during pregnancy or while breastfeeding postpartum. Individual semi-structured interviews. Two major themes shaped participants' habitus: health-focused knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs. Attitudes and beliefs included five subthemes: (1) exposure/acceptance/expectations from family, (2) community acceptance of breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccination, (3) socioeconomic status, (4) easily accessed support, and (5) outside experiences and exposure. An individual's habitus impacts one's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs and interacts with past behaviors when discussing options for infant feeding and health promoting behaviors such as vaccinations. A better understanding of how health care providers assess and utilize habitus in clinical management is needed.
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