Amanda Rehayem

Key research areas/interests:  Midwifery/ Infant Feeding/ Cultural sensitive care

Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Elizabeth Denney-Wilson, Ms. Sarah Taki, Ms. Nicola Brown

Summary of research project (including title)

“Tofli, Jasadi: My Child, My Body”: Infant feeding Beliefs and Practices of Arabic Mothers in Australia

Current Australian studies show dramatic reductions in breastfeeding rates at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, especially in Arabic women. However, there is no qualitative research to delve into their thoughts and assist health care practitioners understand their needs and practices. The aim of this study was to reveal the beliefs and practices around infant feeding in Arabic women in Australia.

Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?

I had studied the Bachelor of Midwifery at UTS and was familiar with the faculty and staff. I worked as a clinical midwife in hospitals with a diverse range of cultures. Arabic women appeared to be less engaged at the hospital I worked at previously, which had a large Arabic population in its catchment area. My co-supervisor Ms Sarah Taki, also embarking on a phD journey, noted a lack of engagement from Arabic women in her research. As a woman from an Arabic background and midwife, I felt the need to pursue this research.

What contribution to knowledge has your research project made? What impact / change has it brought about?

I completed my research project in November 2016.

The results revealed from my study add knowledge to a growing topic of research in Australia. The Arabic women in this study have expressed their need for further culturally sensitive care surrounding infant feeding knowledge and practices, and the importance of community based care.

This study will hopefully open doors for future researchers, in assisting in methods of recruiting participants from culturally vulnerable and diverse communities. The study has shown that Arabic women partake in research more comfortably in the community, where they feel less vulnerable.

Who will benefit from your research? How?

The study will help future midwifery and nursing staff in understanding the practices and beliefs of Arabic mothers surrounding infant feeding and parenting practices. I hope it will also assist in bringing about more education initiatives on culturally sensitive care in midwifery practice, and its impact on women and infants’ outcomes.

Universal understanding on the differing needs of women based upon culture will benefit Arabic women in locating suitable treatments, assistance and care within Australia both efficiently and to a high standard; whilst continued research into this topic will continue to heighten these benefits. 

How did you go about selecting your supervisor?

The team of supervisors at UTS had been working on a project previously that lacked involvement from Arabic women. Therefore they had proposed a smaller project to recruit Arabic women. As a Lebanese Australian, the idea really stood out to me, as I feel quite passionate about my culture and I truly felt the need for further research into culturally sensitive midwifery care. Ms Sarah Taki, (co-supervisor) is also from an Arabic background, so we were both very excited and passionate about the project from day go.

What has been the most valuable part of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?

I always felt very much supported, and my team were just as completely passionate about the topic as I was. I am forever grateful to Elizabeth, Sarah and Nicola…and the Faculty of Health.

What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?

Always engulf yourself in a topic you are truly passionate about, and an area where you see potential change.  Use your clinical engagement as a source of inspiration…you work at the heart of where research is applied! So think of what you would like to change in your practice.