Abstract
Historical artefacts can act as distancing objects, encouraging neutral discussion around sensitive topics that involve personal decision-making. Infant feeding is an example of a sensitive topic where strong emotions associated with infrequently shared experiences often underlie present beliefs and values. An exhibition of historical artefacts designed to generate discussion around the topic of infant feeding was piloted at the Welsh National Eisteddfod 2015 as part of a qualitative development study. The study indicated that the exhibition was perceived as a safe space for discussion regardless of prior beliefs and experience, and that artefacts acted as effective prompts for reminiscence and reflection. Follow-up interviews identified areas of intergenerational change that impact on intergenerational support – changing hospital practices, expert advice and attitudes towards breastfeeding in public places. The exhibition indicated the potential of historical artefacts to facilitate intra- and intergenerational conversation around sensitive public health topics.
Highlights
Infant feeding is a sensitive public health topic
The study confirmed that non-directive, artefact-based approaches can provide openings for discussion around sensitive public health issues, in this case infant feeding, and demonstrated the potential for an exhibit to act as a safe space for reminiscence and discussion, attracting visitors of all ages and with a range of experiences
The exhibition demonstrated that where historical artefacts exist, and health messages have changed over time, an exhibition of artefacts can act as prompts for reflection on those changes
Summary
Infant feeding is a sensitive public health topic. While decisions to breastfeed are associated with improved health outcomes in both developing and developed country settings (Victora et al, 2016), including the UK context (Renfrew et al, 2012), from a socio-cultural perspective, advice to breastfeed has become entangled with questionsNain, Mam and Me 65 of morality and maternal identity (Lee, 2007). Most mothers use formula milk, either exclusively or in combination with breast milk, at some point along their feeding journeys, and there is a strong social gradient on feeding decisions – with younger, less affluent, less educated mothers being less likely to initiate or maintain breastfeeding (ibid.). Mothers frequently experience feelings of guilt, pressure or shame, they feed their babies (Trickey and Newburn, 2014; Thomson et al, 2015). Many feel exhorted but not supported to breastfeed, while mothers who continue to breastfeed often find that they need to justify when, where, how often and how much they feed their baby (Trickey and Newburn, 2014). Women who use formula milk often find that they have to engage in ‘identity work’ to justify their feeding decisions to others (Faircloth, 2010)
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