Guest guest Posted June 10, 2003 Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 Esther, Our physicians say to have the mother interact more on a non-food basis with the baby, it could be boredom. If the baby is overweight, no formula should be supplemented. Also, cereal before 6 months of age has shown in studies to cause digestive problems with the babies. Approach with causing problems for the child later on. This is not a cultural thing, many caucasian women do the same. Much of the breast is comfort for the baby. Try a pacifier as well. Pope Programs Director Sparta Health Center >>> EstherM@... 06/10/03 01:47PM >>> Just looking for some insight about several Mexican (one from Chiapas and one from Veracruz) first-time mothers we've worked with who over-feed their babies. The family worker has observed that both mothers feed the baby every time he cries, giving breast milk as well as formula. Recently, one started supplementing her four-month old with baby cereal as well. Is there a cultural basis in this practice? We would like some suggestions how to respond to it appropriately as well. Both babies are well above average for growth, and one is showing signs of delayed gross motor development, we are thinking it is weight related. Thanks, Esther Rural Health Outreach Program Arrington, Virginia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2003 Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 I have found this is not so much a cultural basis for this practice. It is done in the Anglo-Saxon culture as well. Many mothers don't know what to do w/ a crying baby. The first instinct is to feed it, which leads to overfeeding to try to pacify. If the baby is overweight, he/she should not have supplementation w/ breastmilk or formula. The parents probably feed the baby because the need to suck is strong and pacifies the baby temporarily. A pacifier works well with babies that need to suck a lot. Also, babies should not have cereal or any other solids before they are 6 months old. Babies digestive tracts are not generally developed enough to handle solids, and there is a higher risk of allerigic reactions when babies are fed solids too early. Preston Nutrition Supervisor Oregon Child Development Coalition 503-669-5146 jamie.preston@... -----Original Message----- From: Esther [mailto:EstherM@...] Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 10:47 AM Cc: a Baxtram (E-mail) Subject: [ ] Q about baby feeding Just looking for some insight about several Mexican (one from Chiapas and one from Veracruz) first-time mothers we've worked with who over-feed their babies. The family worker has observed that both mothers feed the baby every time he cries, giving breast milk as well as formula. Recently, one started supplementing her four-month old with baby cereal as well. Is there a cultural basis in this practice? We would like some suggestions how to respond to it appropriately as well. Both babies are well above average for growth, and one is showing signs of delayed gross motor development, we are thinking it is weight related. Thanks, Esther Rural Health Outreach Program Arrington, Virginia To Post a message, send it to: Groups To Unsubscribe, send a blank message to: -unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 I agree with . In my experience with Hispanic, African, Chinese and So. Pacific cultures, people seem to connect a certain amount of overweight with prosperity, successful provider, happiness, wealth, and even strength. I learned about the Chinese way of thinking when a Chinese friend told me that she had inadvertently insulted someone by asking her if she had "gained weight". She said that in China, it is a good thing to say because it means that the provider of the family is doing a good job. So, perhaps this is a normal reaction, i.e., to overfeed, in order to fit in with the preferred status. But, maybe foods and supplements that are available to moms here in the USA are different and higher in calories than the food that would normally be given in the home country, like mashed bananas, mashed fruits and veggies? Narda Tolentino Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 With all due respect to the cultural experts, there is nothing in cultural anthropology that characterizes overweight as a positive quality or characteristic and at best it is neutral. The weight factor is based on legend, folklore and is highly regionalized throughout the world and not a cultural trait for any one ethnic, racial or national origin group. Addressing people based on their weight or other human qualities that are perceived to be demeaning, negative or otherwise insulting will generate a defensive response. Do keep in mind that the “perfect body” syndrome is peculiar to USA consumerism and cultural propaganda. Since many countries, value human qualities differently, but are also at the mercy of USA cultural bombardment, the compare-contrast dynamics have been westernized. The facts on the original question: parents are prone to prop the bottle, or put food in the mouth of a crying baby as a first reaction to attempting to sooth the crying. Crying is associated with hunger or pain and we all go through the process of deductive and wishful thinking, hope that food will do the trick and pray that it is not pain that is the trigger to the crying. The appropriate cultural response: Teach parents about healthy feeding/eating. Alfonso Alfonso López-Vasquez, Director Community Partnerships & Diversity Assistant Professor Pacific University 2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR 97116 (503) 352-3104 (503) 352-2291 (fax) -----Original Message----- From: Narda@... [mailto:Narda@...] Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 1:25 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Q about baby feeding I agree with . In my experience with Hispanic, African, Chinese and So. Pacific cultures, people seem to connect a certain amount of overweight with prosperity, successful provider, happiness, wealth, and even strength. I learned about the Chinese way of thinking when a Chinese friend told me that she had inadvertently insulted someone by asking her if she had " gained weight " . She said that in China, it is a good thing to say because it means that the provider of the family is doing a good job. So, perhaps this is a normal reaction, i.e., to overfeed, in order to fit in with the preferred status. But, maybe foods and supplements that are available to moms here in the USA are different and higher in calories than the food that would normally be given in the home country, like mashed bananas, mashed fruits and veggies? Narda Tolentino Oregon To Post a message, send it to: Groups To Unsubscribe, send a blank message to: -unsubscribe Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 I think it is the recognition of the existence of the “perfect body syndrome that is peculiar to USA consumerism and cultural propaganda", that has spurred some of this discussion. In an attempt to be culturally sensitive, and NOT put the USA values onto others, this discussion has tried to allow for any cultural differences that may exist. I am thankful to Dr.-Vasquez for coming to the rescue and bringing us back to reality. Nutrition is nutrition. Health is health. Regional practices do exist. But, I still think that such messages have to be delivered in a way that is sensitive to a person's beliefs, or the message will be lost. Since I am not a cultural expert, but come by my knowledge only through experience, could Dr. -Vasquez please expound on how nutritional education should be delivered in an office setting, without appearing to be the "Scientific American Know-it-alls"? Why should anyone believe what we say about nutrition? It could also be perceived as Western propaganda, depending on how the message is couched. Narda Tolentino Oregon In a message dated 6/13/03 6:03:14 AM Pacific Daylight Time, lope9075@... writes: With all due respect to the cultural experts, there is nothing in cultural anthropology that characterizes overweight as a positive quality or characteristic and at best it is neutral. The weight factor is based on legend, folklore and is highly regionalized throughout the world and not a cultural trait for any one ethnic, racial or national origin group. Addressing people based on their weight or other human qualities that are perceived to be demeaning, negative or otherwise insulting will generate a defensive response. Do keep in mind that the “perfect body†syndrome is peculiar to USA consumerism and cultural propaganda. Since many countries, value human qualities differently, but are also at the mercy of USA cultural bombardment, the compare-contrast dynamics have been westernized. The facts on the original question: parents are prone to prop the bottle, or put food in the mouth of a crying baby as a first reaction to attempting to sooth the crying. Crying is associated with hunger or pain and we all go through the process of deductive and wishful thinking, hope that food will do the trick and pray that it is not pain that is the trigger to the crying. The appropriate cultural response: Teach parents about healthy feeding/eating. Alfonso Alfonso López-Vasquez, Director Community Partnerships & Diversity Assistant Professor Pacific University 2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR 97116 (503) 352-3104 (503) 352-2291 (fax) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 Adolfo, I must disagree with the assertion that " overweightness " is not considered a positive quality in several cultures. In the health literature there are several studies which suggest that with regards to infants, bigness is considered to be related to healthiness. (Refer to most notably this study on cultural aspects of infant feeding: Puerto Rican cultural beliefs: influence on infant feeding practices in western New York. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 11(1):19-30, 2000 Jan.) At the same time as rejecting notions of culturally bound views on overweight, you give credence to the concept of the " USA cultural bombardment " and western views on body image. That seems contradictory. With regards to the initial question on infant feeding practices, over-feeding, and ethnicity, the research is limited. However, there are a few well-accepted theories among health professionals. First, and most importantly, infant feeding practices are integral parts of individuals ethnic and cultural beliefs and influence how mothers in various ethnic groups make decisions. Culturally appropriate nutrition education improves infant feeding and growth. The first step is to acknowledge the cultural basis behind feeding beliefs and offer culturally sensitive solutions to improve feeding practices. Secondly, the rate of weight gain in the first 4 months of life is associated with future risk of obesity. That is why this topic is of great importance, especially considering that among ethnic groups, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Native Americans have a higher prevalence of obesity. We also know now that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of obesity later in life. Any efforts to improve breastfeeding rates in a culturally appropriate manner will be beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood and adult obesity. For those who would like to review some relatively recent research in this area, here are some articles. In my personal experience as a family physician with a large pediatric practice in a migrant health center, I have observed the issue of overfeeding to be of concern, but mainly as it relates to bottle feeding. Breastfeeding infants have a natural tendency to regulate their intake. The basis for this is not entirely clear but is a topic of further study. Lana Zarlenga, MD --------------------------------- Baranowski T, GT, Rassin DK, on JA, Henske JC. Ethnicity, infant-feeding practices, and childhood adiposity. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1990;11:234-239. Kaiser LL, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Lamp CL, s MC, Harwood JO. Acculturation of Mexican-American mothers influences child feeding strategies. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:542-47. Tibbs T, Haire-Joshu D, Schechtman KB, Brownson RC, Nanney MS, Houston C, Auslander W. The relationship between parental modeling, eating patterns, and dietary intake among African-American parents. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:535-41. Zive MM, McKay H, -Spohrer GC, Broyles SL, JA, Nader PR. Infant-feeding practices and adiposity in 4-y-old Anglo-and Mexican-Americans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;55:1104-1108. > With all due respect to the cultural experts, there is nothing in > cultural anthropology that characterizes overweight as a positive > quality or characteristic and at best it is neutral. The weight factor > is based on legend, folklore and is highly regionalized throughout the > world and not a cultural trait for any one ethnic, racial or national > origin group. Addressing people based on their weight or other human > qualities that are perceived to be demeaning, negative or otherwise > insulting will generate a defensive response. Do keep in mind that the > " perfect body " syndrome is peculiar to USA consumerism and cultural > propaganda. Since many countries, value human qualities differently, but > are also at the mercy of USA cultural bombardment, the compare-contrast > dynamics have been westernized. > > The facts on the original question: parents are prone to prop the > bottle, or put food in the mouth of a crying baby as a first reaction to > attempting to sooth the crying. Crying is associated with hunger or pain > and we all go through the process of deductive and wishful thinking, > hope that food will do the trick and pray that it is not pain that is > the trigger to the crying. > > The appropriate cultural response: Teach parents about healthy > feeding/eating. > > Alfonso > > Alfonso López-Vasquez, Director > Community Partnerships & Diversity > Assistant Professor > Pacific University > 2043 College Way > Forest Grove, OR 97116 > (503) 352-3104 > (503) 352-2291 (fax) > > -----Original Message----- > From: Narda@... [mailto:Narda@...] > Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 1:25 PM > > Subject: Re: [ ] Q about baby feeding > > I agree with . In my experience with Hispanic, African, Chinese > and So. Pacific cultures, people seem to connect a certain amount of > overweight with prosperity, successful provider, happiness, wealth, and > even strength. I learned about the Chinese way of thinking when a > Chinese friend told me that she had inadvertently insulted someone by > asking her if she had " gained weight " . She said that in China, it is a > good thing to say because it means that the provider of the family is > doing a good job. > > So, perhaps this is a normal reaction, i.e., to overfeed, in order to > fit in with the preferred status. But, maybe foods and supplements that > are available to moms here in the USA are different and higher in > calories than the food that would normally be given in the home country, > like mashed bananas, mashed fruits and veggies? > > Narda Tolentino > Oregon > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 I am so grateful to the many people writing in about the question I brought up. Being one of the few migrant farmworker health people in my area, I feel much less isolated when I can consult with you all through the Migrant Health Research group. Thanks! Esther -----Original Message----- From: zarlenga@... [mailto:zarlenga@...] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 5:12 PM Subject: RE: [ ] Q about baby feeding Adolfo, I must disagree with the assertion that " overweightness " is not considered a positive quality in several cultures. In the health literature there are several studies which suggest that with regards to infants, bigness is considered to be related to healthiness. (Refer to most notably this study on cultural aspects of infant feeding: Puerto Rican cultural beliefs: influence on infant feeding practices in western New York. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 11(1):19-30, 2000 Jan.) At the same time as rejecting notions of culturally bound views on overweight, you give credence to the concept of the " USA cultural bombardment " and western views on body image. That seems contradictory. With regards to the initial question on infant feeding practices, over-feeding, and ethnicity, the research is limited. However, there are a few well-accepted theories among health professionals. First, and most importantly, infant feeding practices are integral parts of individuals ethnic and cultural beliefs and influence how mothers in various ethnic groups make decisions. Culturally appropriate nutrition education improves infant feeding and growth. The first step is to acknowledge the cultural basis behind feeding beliefs and offer culturally sensitive solutions to improve feeding practices. Secondly, the rate of weight gain in the first 4 months of life is associated with future risk of obesity. That is why this topic is of great importance, especially considering that among ethnic groups, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Native Americans have a higher prevalence of obesity. We also know now that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of obesity later in life. Any efforts to improve breastfeeding rates in a culturally appropriate manner will be beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood and adult obesity. For those who would like to review some relatively recent research in this area, here are some articles. In my personal experience as a family physician with a large pediatric practice in a migrant health center, I have observed the issue of overfeeding to be of concern, but mainly as it relates to bottle feeding. Breastfeeding infants have a natural tendency to regulate their intake. The basis for this is not entirely clear but is a topic of further study. Lana Zarlenga, MD --------------------------------- Baranowski T, GT, Rassin DK, on JA, Henske JC. Ethnicity, infant-feeding practices, and childhood adiposity. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1990;11:234-239. Kaiser LL, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Lamp CL, s MC, Harwood JO. Acculturation of Mexican-American mothers influences child feeding strategies. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:542-47. Tibbs T, Haire-Joshu D, Schechtman KB, Brownson RC, Nanney MS, Houston C, Auslander W. The relationship between parental modeling, eating patterns, and dietary intake among African-American parents. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:535-41. Zive MM, McKay H, -Spohrer GC, Broyles SL, JA, Nader PR. Infant-feeding practices and adiposity in 4-y-old Anglo-and Mexican-Americans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;55:1104-1108. > With all due respect to the cultural experts, there is nothing in > cultural anthropology that characterizes overweight as a positive > quality or characteristic and at best it is neutral. The weight factor > is based on legend, folklore and is highly regionalized throughout the > world and not a cultural trait for any one ethnic, racial or national > origin group. Addressing people based on their weight or other human > qualities that are perceived to be demeaning, negative or otherwise > insulting will generate a defensive response. Do keep in mind that the > " perfect body " syndrome is peculiar to USA consumerism and cultural > propaganda. Since many countries, value human qualities differently, but > are also at the mercy of USA cultural bombardment, the compare-contrast > dynamics have been westernized. > > The facts on the original question: parents are prone to prop the > bottle, or put food in the mouth of a crying baby as a first reaction to > attempting to sooth the crying. Crying is associated with hunger or pain > and we all go through the process of deductive and wishful thinking, > hope that food will do the trick and pray that it is not pain that is > the trigger to the crying. > > The appropriate cultural response: Teach parents about healthy > feeding/eating. > > Alfonso > > Alfonso López-Vasquez, Director > Community Partnerships & Diversity > Assistant Professor > Pacific University > 2043 College Way > Forest Grove, OR 97116 > (503) 352-3104 > (503) 352-2291 (fax) > > -----Original Message----- > From: Narda@... [mailto:Narda@...] > Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 1:25 PM > > Subject: Re: [ ] Q about baby feeding > > I agree with . In my experience with Hispanic, African, Chinese > and So. Pacific cultures, people seem to connect a certain amount of > overweight with prosperity, successful provider, happiness, wealth, and > even strength. I learned about the Chinese way of thinking when a > Chinese friend told me that she had inadvertently insulted someone by > asking her if she had " gained weight " . She said that in China, it is a > good thing to say because it means that the provider of the family is > doing a good job. > > So, perhaps this is a normal reaction, i.e., to overfeed, in order to > fit in with the preferred status. But, maybe foods and supplements that > are available to moms here in the USA are different and higher in > calories than the food that would normally be given in the home country, > like mashed bananas, mashed fruits and veggies? > > Narda Tolentino > Oregon > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 I'm sorry, I meant Alfonso, my mistake! Lana > Adolfo, > > I must disagree with the assertion that " overweightness " is not > considered a positive quality in several cultures. In the health > literature there are several studies which suggest that with regards to > infants, bigness is considered to be related to healthiness. (Refer to > most notably this study on cultural aspects of infant feeding: Puerto > Rican cultural beliefs: influence on infant feeding practices in western > New York. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 11(1):19-30, 2000 Jan.) > > At the same time as rejecting notions of culturally bound views on > overweight, you give credence to the concept of the " USA cultural > bombardment " and western views on body image. That seems contradictory. > > With regards to the initial question on infant feeding practices, > over-feeding, and ethnicity, the research is limited. However, there > are a few well-accepted theories among health professionals. > > First, and most importantly, infant feeding practices are integral parts > of individuals ethnic and cultural beliefs and influence how mothers in > various ethnic groups make decisions. Culturally appropriate nutrition > education improves infant feeding and growth. The first step is to > acknowledge the cultural basis behind feeding beliefs and offer > culturally sensitive solutions to improve feeding practices. > > Secondly, the rate of weight gain in the first 4 months of life is > associated with future risk of obesity. That is why this topic is of > great importance, especially considering that among ethnic groups, > African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Native Americans have a higher > prevalence of obesity. We also know now that breastfeeding is > associated with a lower risk of obesity later in life. Any efforts to > improve breastfeeding rates in a culturally appropriate manner will be > beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood and adult obesity. > > For those who would like to review some relatively recent research in > this area, here are some articles. In my personal experience as a > family physician with a large pediatric practice in a migrant health > center, I have observed the issue of overfeeding to be of concern, but > mainly as it relates to bottle feeding. Breastfeeding infants have a > natural tendency to regulate their intake. The basis for this is not > entirely clear but is a topic of further study. > > Lana Zarlenga, MD > --------------------------------- > Baranowski T, GT, Rassin DK, on JA, Henske JC. Ethnicity, > infant-feeding practices, and childhood adiposity. J Dev Behav Pediatr. > 1990;11:234-239. > Kaiser LL, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Lamp CL, s MC, Harwood JO. > Acculturation of Mexican-American mothers influences child feeding > strategies. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:542-47. > Tibbs T, Haire-Joshu D, Schechtman KB, Brownson RC, Nanney MS, Houston > C, Auslander W. The relationship between parental modeling, eating > patterns, and dietary intake among African-American parents. J Am Diet > Assoc. 2001;101:535-41. > Zive MM, McKay H, -Spohrer GC, Broyles SL, JA, Nader PR. > Infant-feeding practices and adiposity in 4-y-old Anglo-and > Mexican-Americans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;55:1104-1108. > > > >> With all due respect to the cultural experts, there is nothing in >> cultural anthropology that characterizes overweight as a positive >> quality or characteristic and at best it is neutral. The weight factor >> is based on legend, folklore and is highly regionalized throughout the >> world and not a cultural trait for any one ethnic, racial or national >> origin group. Addressing people based on their weight or other human >> qualities that are perceived to be demeaning, negative or otherwise >> insulting will generate a defensive response. Do keep in mind that the >> " perfect body " syndrome is peculiar to USA consumerism and cultural >> propaganda. Since many countries, value human qualities differently, >> but are also at the mercy of USA cultural bombardment, the >> compare-contrast dynamics have been westernized. >> >> The facts on the original question: parents are prone to prop the >> bottle, or put food in the mouth of a crying baby as a first reaction >> to attempting to sooth the crying. Crying is associated with hunger or >> pain and we all go through the process of deductive and wishful >> thinking, hope that food will do the trick and pray that it is not >> pain that is the trigger to the crying. >> >> The appropriate cultural response: Teach parents about healthy >> feeding/eating. >> >> Alfonso >> >> Alfonso López-Vasquez, Director >> Community Partnerships & Diversity >> Assistant Professor >> Pacific University >> 2043 College Way >> Forest Grove, OR 97116 >> (503) 352-3104 >> (503) 352-2291 (fax) >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Narda@... [mailto:Narda@...] >> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 1:25 PM >> >> Subject: Re: [ ] Q about baby feeding >> >> I agree with . In my experience with Hispanic, African, Chinese >> and So. Pacific cultures, people seem to connect a certain amount of >> overweight with prosperity, successful provider, happiness, wealth, >> and even strength. I learned about the Chinese way of thinking when a >> Chinese friend told me that she had inadvertently insulted someone by >> asking her if she had " gained weight " . She said that in China, it is >> a good thing to say because it means that the provider of the family >> is doing a good job. >> >> So, perhaps this is a normal reaction, i.e., to overfeed, in order to >> fit in with the preferred status. But, maybe foods and supplements >> that are available to moms here in the USA are different and higher in >> calories than the food that would normally be given in the home >> country, like mashed bananas, mashed fruits and veggies? >> >> Narda Tolentino >> Oregon >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 In response to Narda’s request for insights as to how to go about in presenting culturally-sensitive nutrition education for new parents in general and on the subject of baby feeding, I offer the following. First, beware of trapping my colleagues and I have perpetuated by the misapplication of cultural templates. As a facilitator of cross-cultural training for health, education and human service providers, I had all-too-often designed deliverables as part of my training models that in fact promoted and perpetuated cultural stereotypes. The danger in this is that culture is presented as a stagnant human condition and fails to recognize the fact that geography (where we live) both in a macro and micro perspective will out of necessity call for adaptation. Thus, when seeking to find a cultural pattern from which to work from to understand and respond to immigrant communities, find out where the individual, family or community comes from in terms of their country and region of origin. Take a cultural snapshot and let this be your background. We must then take into consideration the migration pattern and how much of the indigenous culture is or has been available to them. Finally, make a determination about the cultural elasticity of the family in key areas – family, religious/spiritual, social and personal nurturing and the broader SES profile. The greater the congruence or continuity the family has with the indigenous culture, the lower the elasticity factor and vice versa, a lower congruence – consistency from the native cultural dynamics the greater the elasticity. This assessment enables us to be pragmatically sensitive to cultural diversity and to determine the degree to which interventions should be more focused on traditional/indigenous practices or need to incorporate cultural orientation/adaptation to the new cultural environment the family lives in. I do a health and wellness (H & W) seminar for promotoras and new immigrant families outlining the four factors that influence H & W, heredity, lifestyle, environment and support/service systems. This is based on traditional public health education model. I present the information in such a way that I acknowledge traditional cultural values and softly move towards the scientific/western paradigm. Consider the fact that most non-western cultures do truly value the more vulnerable members in the family and community – elders and infants. Adult providers are more likely to embrace change and will seek to adapt, if in so doing they will promote health and wellness, and thus minimize disease and illness or any kind of suffering for those they care for the most. Best wishes in your endeavors and do feel free to stay in touch even outside of this discussion group. Nutrition education and other preventive measures can help us educate families to become self-sufficient to the extent possible and will make them better consumers of health care services. Alfonso Alfonso López-Vasquez, Director Community Partnerships & Diversity Assistant Professor Pacific University 2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR 97116 (503) 352-3104 (503) 352-2291 (fax) -----Original Message----- From: Narda@... [mailto:Narda@...] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 7:42 AM To: Subject: Re: [ ] Q about baby feeding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 Thank you for the comments Doctora, Two specific points about my response to the question raised on this subject. First, most of the research cited on ethnic and racial minorities is based on low SES sub-sets of the population. Secondly, the numbers are often too small to arrive at a truly statistically significant sample. Cultural profiles for minorities as reported in the literature are often profiles on the culture of poverty and the adaptation disadvantaged minority communities gravitate towards to cope with the challenges to their self-concept. The reference to western cultural influence relative to body image is well documented and my coping reaction would be to say “major gordito que huesudo” Not to under-mind the problem of overweightness, which is most certainly a critical problem among minorities and new immigrants. My follow up response was an attempt at presenting a process to deliver appropriate nutrition and health and wellness education while avoiding the shortfall of bad science and stereotypes. I do not think we are in conflict with our assessment even if we are not in full harmony. Do we have a base to continue this dialogue? Alfonso ===================== Adolfo, I must disagree with the assertion that " overweightness " is not considered a positive quality in several cultures. In the health literature there are several studies which suggest that with regards to infants, bigness is considered to be related to healthiness. (Refer to most notably this study on cultural aspects of infant feeding: Puerto Rican cultural beliefs: influence on infant feeding practices in western New York. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 11(1):19-30, 2000 Jan.) At the same time as rejecting notions of culturally bound views on overweight, you give credence to the concept of the " USA cultural bombardment " and western views on body image. That seems contradictory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2003 Report Share Posted June 25, 2003 I would like to hear more about the four factors that influence health and wellness in a given culture. You have briefly outlined them. Perhaps you have more information on this topic? Gracias! Confidentiality Notice: This message is intended only for the use of the individual or enity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law and HIPAA compliance. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. >>> lope9075@pacificate 06/16/03 01:06PM >>> In response to NardaGÇÖs request for insights as to how to go about in presenting culturally-sensitive nutrition education for new parents in general and on the subject of baby feeding, I offer the following. First, beware of trapping my colleagues and I have perpetuated by the misapplication of cultural templates. As a facilitator of cross-cultural training for health, education and human service providers, I had all-too-often designed deliverables as part of my training models that in fact promoted and perpetuated cultural stereotypes. The danger in this is that culture is presented as a stagnant human condition and fails to recognize the fact that geography (where we live) both in a macro and micro perspective will out of necessity call for adaptation. Thus, when seeking to find a cultural pattern from which to work from to understand and respond to immigrant communities, find out where the individual, family or community comes from in terms of their country and region of origin. Take a cultural snapshot and let this be your background. We must then take into consideration the migration pattern and how much of the indigenous culture is or has been available to them. Finally, make a determination about the cultural elasticity of the family in key areas GÇô family, religious/spiritual, social and personal nurturing and the broader SES profile. The greater the congruence or continuity the family has with the indigenous culture, the lower the elasticity factor and vice versa, a lower congruence GÇô consistency from the native cultural dynamics the greater the elasticity. This assessment enables us to be pragmatically sensitive to cultural diversity and to determine the degree to which interventions should be more focused on traditional/indigenous practices or need to incorporate cultural orientation/adaptation to the new cultural environment the family lives in. I do a health and wellness (H & W) seminar for promotoras and new immigrant families outlining the four factors that influence H & W, heredity, lifestyle, environment and support/service systems. This is based on traditional public health education model. I present the information in such a way that I acknowledge traditional cultural values and softly move towards the scientific/western paradigm. Consider the fact that most non-western cultures do truly value the more vulnerable members in the family and community GÇô elders and infants. Adult providers are more likely to embrace change and will seek to adapt, if in so doing they will promote health and wellness, and thus minimize disease and illness or any kind of suffering for those they care for the most. Best wishes in your endeavors and do feel free to stay in touch even outside of this discussion group. Nutrition education and other preventive measures can help us educate families to become self-sufficient to the extent possible and will make them better consumers of health care services. Alfonso Alfonso L+ pez-Vasquez, Director Community Partnerships & Diversity Assistant Professor Pacific University 2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR 97116 (503) 352-3104 (503) 352-2291 (fax) -----Original Message----- From: Narda@... [mailto:Narda@...] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 7:42 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Q about baby feeding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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