Realities of breastfeeding mothers' lives: A photovoice project

Over the past 7 years, intensification of educating low-income mothers about breastfeeding has been initiated in the federally funded nutrition education and food supplementation program for low-income women called WIC (Women, Infant and Children). In Delaware County, there has been a 10% increase in initiation but the duration of breastfeeding continues to stay very low. Realities of Breastfeeding Mother's Lives (RML) is a qualitative exploratory study designed to improve the support low-income women receive from community for continuing to breastfeed their children through the first year of life. It will be conducted to gain insight into the breastfeeding experience of 10 new WIC mothers who are living in Delaware County, Indiana. The project will follow a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach and use the photovoice method. Over a one-year period, 10 WIC mothers will be partnered with a Community Health Nurse Specialist in: generating photo-assignments, taking photographs based on theses assignments, using the photographs for photo-discussions, and defining themes based on these photo-discussions. A photograph exhibition and community forum in a format based on the group's decision will be organized to raise awareness among local decision-makers and the community of the concerns and assets of Breastfeeding mothers. The action that this group can take will initiate a process towards changes that improves the support low-income women need in the community for continuing to breastfeeding their children through the first year of life.