Voices of rural Missouri mothers : exploring the opportunities for informal education experiences of breastfeeding mothers in rural communities
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Breastfeeding offers well-documented health benefits, yet mothers in rural areas often face unique barriers that impact initiation and continuation. This mixed-methods study explored the breastfeeding experiences of mothers in rural Missouri using the Social Ecological Model, with a focus on how informal education and support systems influence breastfeeding outcomes. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys, while qualitative data were obtained via in-depth interviews with mothers from three rural counties. Findings indicate that while personal motivation and informal support networks--such as family, peers, and social media--play a critical role in sustaining breastfeeding, systemic barriers persist. These include limited healthcare access, weak enforcement of breastfeeding-related policies, and minimal workplace accommodations. Participants emphasized the need for greater access to local breastfeeding education, stronger community resources, and consistent policy implementation tailored to rural contexts. The study highlights the complex, multi-level influences on breastfeeding practices and underscores the importance of community-specific interventions to promote equitable breastfeeding support in underserved areas.
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Ph. D.