Maternal COVID vaccination and breastfeeding during a pandemic: Habitus and health behavior decision making

Abstract

Objective: To examine the influence of habitus on women's health behavior regarding breastfeeding and subsequent COVID-19 vaccination. Design: A qualitative descriptive design, guided by Pierre Bourdieu's concept of habitus. Sample: Eighteen women who were postpartum, breastfeeding, and vaccinated against COVID- 19 either during pregnancy or while breastfeeding postpartum. Measures: Individual semi-structured interviews. Results: Two major themes shaped participants’ habitus: health-focused knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs. Attitudes and beliefs included five subthemes: (1) exposure/acceptance/expectations from family, (2) community acceptance of breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccination, (3) socioeconomic status, (4) easily accessed support, and (5) outside experiences and exposure. Discussion: An individual's habitus impacts one's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs and interacts with past behaviors when discussing options for infant feeding and health promoting behaviors such as vaccinations. A better understanding of how health care providers assess and utilize habitus in clinical management is needed.