ERIC Number: ED627756
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 185
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-4387-8882-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Latching on to Success: An Exploratory Study of Lactation Support Available to Student-Parents
Swider, Ellen M.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Hartford
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of undergraduate college student-parents who endeavored to breastfeed a baby while simultaneously enrolled in onground classes. Federal law stipulates employers must provide employees with sufficient designated lactation spaces and ample time to express breastmilk. On a college campus this accommodates the needs of faculty and staff as well as graduate students employed by their university. However, the needs of undergraduate student-parents who are breastfeeding are often overlooked. The literature revealed that very little research has investigated the experiences of breastfeeding undergraduate student-parents; this study sought to close that gap. The study and analysis were influenced by the postmodern feminist writing of Bernice Hausman. The phenomenological design was influenced by the work of Max van Manen. Fifteen cisgender women participated in semi-structured interviews and discussed their experiences as breastfeeding parents, as college students, and how they managed these dual identities on their campuses.The findings first revealed that breastfeeding student-parents are highly motivated to breastfeed and attend college but that their experiences are also heavily influenced by sociocultural norms and expectations. The decision to do both simultaneously is challenging and many breastfeeding student-parents feel they would be more successful if better supported by their college communities. In the absence of adequate support, breastfeeding student-parents employ agency to maintain their breastfeeding while on campus. This study concludes with recommendations for enhancing the experiences of breastfeeding student-parents including improvements to campus infrastructure and policy, suggestions for expanding community awareness and support, and recommendations for students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Parents, Infants, Nutrition, College Role, Student Needs, Student Experience, Student Attitudes, Coping, Social Influences, Cultural Influences
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A