Prashanth GP. Influence of social media on maternal decision-making and breastfeeding practices. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13(4): 94755 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i4.94755]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Gowda Parameshwara Prashanth, DNB, MBBS, MD, MRCPCH, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, National University of Science and Technology, Al Tareef, Sohar 321, Oman. prashanth_lucknow@yahoo.com
Research Domain of This Article
Pediatrics
Article-Type of This Article
Letter to the Editor
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Pediatr. Dec 9, 2024; 13(4): 94755 Published online Dec 9, 2024. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i4.94755
Influence of social media on maternal decision-making and breastfeeding practices
Gowda Parameshwara Prashanth
Gowda Parameshwara Prashanth, Department of Paediatrics, National University of Science and Technology, Sohar 321, Oman
Author contributions: Prashanth GP conceived the idea, collected and interpreted the data, and drafted the manuscript. Prashanth GP approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Gowda Parameshwara Prashanth, DNB, MBBS, MD, MRCPCH, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, National University of Science and Technology, Al Tareef, Sohar 321, Oman. prashanth_lucknow@yahoo.com
Received: March 25, 2024 Revised: August 27, 2024 Accepted: August 28, 2024 Published online: December 9, 2024 Processing time: 219 Days and 10.3 Hours
Abstract
Breastfeeding practices are influenced by multifactorial determinants including individual characteristics, external support systems, and media influences. This commentary emphasizes such complex factors influencing breastfeeding practices. Potential methodological limitations and the need for diverse sampling in studying breastfeeding practices are highlighted. Further research must explore the interplay between social influences, cultural norms, government policies, and individual factors in shaping maternal breastfeeding decisions.
Core Tip: Maternal breastfeeding decisions are influenced by multifactorial biopsychosocial determinants. Inaccurate information on social media may exaggerate potential difficulties in breastfeeding, promote the use of formula milk alternatives, or undermine mothers' confidence in their abilities to breastfeed. Addressing misinformation on social media channels is crucial for empowering informed maternal decision-making.
