An analysis of actors participating in the design and implementation of workplace breastfeeding interventions in Mexico using the NetMap analysis approach.

Publisher: Frontiers Editorial Office Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101616579 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2296-2565 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 22962565 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Front Public Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Lausanne : Frontiers Editorial Office

Breast Feeding* ; Women, Working*; Female ; Infant ; Humans ; Mexico ; Workplace ; Mothers

Introduction: While breastfeeding is recognized as providing optimal nutrition for infants and toddlers, maternal employment is a commonly mentioned barrier to breastfeeding. The goal was to (a) identify key actors participating in the design and implementation of workplace breastfeeding interventions in Mexico, (b) understand the complexity of interactions between the actors, and (c) map the connections and influence between the actors when looking into networks of Advice, Command, Funding, and Information.
Method: Following the NetMap methodology, a total of 11 semi-structured interviews with 12 interview partners from 10 organizations were conducted. Interview data were analyzed, and networks were analyzed and visualized, using a social network mapping software.
Results: A total of 83 actors from five different actor groups were identified. Four networks were constructed along the four types of connections: Advice, Command, Funding, and Information. The actors were connected by 580 connections with 446 unique links. Based on various network statistics, the Mexican Institute of Social Security, the Mexican Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare, UNICEF, and the Mexican Secretary of Health were identified to be key actors.
Conclusion: To increase the likelihood of success of workplace breastfeeding interventions, the role of the actors "Employers" and "Women" needs to expand. They should be actively involved in the decision-making process, together with the identified key actors. It is further recommended to re-introduce a national breastfeeding strategy for Mexico that includes policies for workplace breastfeeding interventions.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationship that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2023 Litwan, Lara-Mejía, Chahine, Hernández-Cordero, Vilar-Compte and Pérez-Escamilla.)

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Keywords: Mexico; NetMap analysis; breastfeeding support; lactation program; lactation support; social network analysis; working mothers; workplace

Date Created: 20231129 Date Completed: 20231201 Latest Revision: 20240420

20240421

PMC10663280

10.3389/fpubh.2023.1192600

38026332