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Abstract
Modesty may be a significant variable impacting breastfeeding outcomes in western cultures, yet this term has received minimal attention in the breastfeeding literature. An analysis of the concept of modesty was conducted to gain greater understanding of the potential impact of modesty on breastfeeding outcomes. Various uses of the term modesty and particularly modesty in the context of breastfeeding are discussed in this paper. The defining attributes of breastfeeding modesty are identified and examples are provided. Implications for research and clinical practice are suggested.
Journal of Perinatal Education, 8(4), 19-26; modesty, breastfeeding, insufficient milk supply.
Breastfeeding advocates suggest that, in order to behave modestly, many women will not breastfeed in certain social situations (Dettwyler, 1995; Minchin, 1985). Thus, modesty may be a cultural factor associated with poor breastfeeding initiation and duration rates. Some mothers may initially choose not to breastfeed due to concerns regarding modesty. A survey of 81 mothers' reasons for choosing infant feeding method (84% bottlefeeders) found that 27% considered breastfeeding embarrassing (Dix, 1991). Modesty was the most frequently cited public education barrier to breastfeeding in a survey of state health officials and other professionals concerned with breastfeeding (Spisak & Gross, 1991). Research of women in Connecticut, Scotland, and England suggested that women who felt comfortable feeding in public breastfed longer than women who were not comfortable (Allen & Pelto, 1985).
Modesty is a familiar term, yet it does not appear to be conceptually defined or considered in published research. The concept may be related to breastfeeding behaviors and outcomes, such as the phenomenon of insufficient milk supply, but apparently this relationship has not been studied in the breastfeeding literature (Moran, 1998). A concept analysis that explores usage of the term modesty will help to clarify its meaning and aid in the development of a conceptual definition. This may subsequently lead to a greater knowledge of factors affecting breastfeeding outcomes and to the development of increasingly effective breastfeeding promotion and support strategies.
Modesty Defined
Modesty has been used as a grammatical principle, a communication pattern, a sociological concept related to self-presentation and self-esteem, and a religious virtue. Attention to the concept is far more prevalent in references from the early part of this century. Apart from religious references, the term is...