Synthesizing Breastfeeding Research: A Commentary on the Use of Women's Ways of Knowing

Abstract

Every parent and child would greatly benefit from an intervention that would ensure improved immunity reduced illnesses of varying types reduced cancer risk and improved cognitive function. So when a health care provider explains that this particular intervention is not an artificial laboratory-created pharmacological agent but rather the natural benefits of breast milk why do so few women make the decision to breastfeed? Primary influences that affect a womans decisions include her support structure parity prepared knowledge practical work demands and level of comfort with public breastfeeding. Further research must examine how to synthesize studies that show the multifaceted influences on a womans decision to breastfeed. This integration will clarify why 2 women in apparently the same situation (similar culture age support structure etc) make different decisions regarding the continuation of breastfeeding. One way to do this is to categorize women using the model by Belenky Clinchy Goldberger and Tarule based on their 1997 book Womens Ways of Knowing. (excerpt)