Cascading Disasters, Perinatal Wellbeing, and Infant Feeding Practices in South Alabama

The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which cascading disasters ( i.e. , disruptions to the environment that generate unexpected secondary events of strong impact) shape perceptions of perinatal wellbeing and breastfeeding/formula-feeding practices in south Alabama. Ethnographic research was conducted with perinatal healthcare providers ( n = 10) and birth parents ( n = 10) in south Alabama during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of multiple hurricanes in 2020. Results reveal that concerns related to cascading disasters were exacerbated or eclipsed by system-level challenges that shaped breastfeeding and formula-feeding practices. Specifically, the absence of paid parental leave and community-based breastfeeding support was perceived as profoundly stressful for participants. Birth parents often had to negotiate between breastfeeding/formula-feeding decisions and their own needs. We argue that robust federal and state-level support systems are needed if birth parents and perinatal healthcare providers are to follow guidelines for breastfeeding before, during, and after cascading disasters.