Do maternal grandmothers influence breastfeeding duration and infant nutrition? Evidence from Merida, Mexico.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Breast-feeding is sensitive to somatic, hormonal, behavioral and psychological components of maternal capital. However, through grandmothering, older women may also influence breast-feeding by transferring informational resources to their daughters. We hypothesized that mothers with prolonged instrumental support from their own mother are more likely to have received advice and to have favorable attitudes/practices regarding breastfeeding, compared to those lacking such support, with implications for the grandchild's somatic capital.

Methods

We recruited 90 mother-infant dyads (52 with grandmaternal support, 38 without) in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. All children were first-borns, aged ~2 years. Anthropometry and body composition were assessed. Data on grandmother's

SUBMITTER: Vazquez-Vazquez ADP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9826188 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature