The role of Tamang mothers-in-law in promoting breast feeding in Makwanpur District, Nepal.
OBJECTIVE
to systematically analyse the Nepalise grandmother's own perspective of breast feeding.


METHODS
a qualitative approach was used. Three focus-group discussions and eight semi-structured interviews formed the primary database. All interviews and discussions were tape recorded, and translated transcripts and field notes were analysed.


METHODS
Makwanpur District, rural Nepal.


METHODS
31 Tamang mothers-in-law living in a household with their son's family, and taking part in child care.


RESULTS
the data suggest that the mothers-in-law see themselves as key providers of, and decision-makers in, perinatal care practices. Traditional patterns of promotive and preventive care were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
contrary to the widespread reports that early breast feeding is delayed in this setting, these grandmothers held colostrum in high regard, used no prelacteals and supported early initiation of breast feeding.
Masvie
Hilde
H
Haydom School of Nursing, PB Mbulu, Manyara Region, Tanzania. post@haydom.co.tz
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009390:Nepal; D011247:Pregnancy; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires