Liane Ventura, master of public health alumna in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health’s master of public health program, is author of an article published in the Southern Medical Journal. The article is titled, "Exploration of the Intersection between Infant Feeding and Postpartum Contraception in Western North Carolina: Perspectives of Postpartum Individuals and Providers."
Dr. Kate Beatty, college faculty, as well as Rebecca Strasser and Melissa White, college alumna, are co-authors.
The article investigates how decisions regarding infant feeding and postpartum contraception are interconnected. Through semistructured interviews with postpartum individuals and healthcare providers in western North Carolina, the study identifies several key themes. The findings emphasize the importance of respecting personal choices in both infant feeding methods and contraceptive use and highlights the need for comprehensive education during pregnancy to prepare individuals for postpartum decisions. It recognizes the critical role of support systems in successful breastfeeding practices and acknowledges the impact of infant feeding choices on maternal mental well-being. The authors also consider how cultural norms, rural healthcare access challenges, and workplace policies influence decision-making.
The study concludes that personalized education and shared decision-making during the prenatal period are essential for supporting postpartum individuals in making informed choices about infant feeding and contraception. It also suggests integrating discussions of infant feeding into sexual and reproductive health literature to provide holistic care.