Degree
BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)
Faculty / School
School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)
Department
Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts
Date of Award
Spring 2024
Date of Submission
2024-08-04
Advisor
Dr. Saima Bint-e-Saif, Assistant Professor SSLA, Department of Social Sciences
Committee
Irum Iqbal Hussain, Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences
Project Type
SSLA Culminating Experience
Access Type
Restricted Access
Keywords
Infant Feeding, Guilt, Shame, Women, Lived Experiences
Abstract
This study aimed to explore mothers' lived experiences with infant feeding in Pakistan, focusing on the complex emotions of guilt and shame within familial, hospital, workplace and public interactions. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews with a sample of six infant-feeding mothers, the research employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and deductive analysis to identify key themes and subthemes. The findings revealed that societal expectations and personal beliefs significantly influence mothers' feelings of guilt and shame. Themes such as feeding choices, social perceptions, healthcare interactions, familial interactions, workplace dynamics, religious beliefs, and mothering identity were prominent. Many mothers equated breastfeeding with good motherhood, leading to feelings of inadequacy and guilt when unable to meet this expectation. Social interactions, particularly with healthcare providers and family members, played a crucial role, with supportive interactions alleviating and critical interactions exacerbating feelings of guilt and shame. The study also highlighted how feeding practices were closely tied to mothers' identities, with successful breastfeeding associated with a positive maternal identity and difficulties leading to negative self-evaluations. These findings emphasize the need for supportive policies, empathetic healthcare practices, and broader cultural understanding alleviate the negative emotions of guilt and shame and promote positive maternal and infant health outcomes.
Pages
96
Recommended Citation
Bawany, S. M. (2024). Maternal Guilt and Shame in Infant Feeding Practices - The Lived Experiences of Pakistani Mothers (Unpublished undergraduate project). Institute of Business Administration, Pakistan. Retrieved from https://ir.iba.edu.pk/sslace/329
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