Self-efficacy is an important predictor for breastfeeding duration. Workplaces may help bolster women's self-efficacy by providing environments that are supportive to breastfeeding working mothers. Future research is needed to identify breastfeeding policies that boost self-efficacy.

Findings from this study provide evidence that a mother's knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding recommendations impacts breastfeeding practices. Healthcare providers and public health professionals should educate mothers about breastfeeding.

Objectives High infant mortality rates among American Indians in North Dakota contribute to a 20-year gap in average age at death compared to whites. Geographic- and race-specific health disparities data to drive policy making and interventions are not well disseminated. The current study examines prenatal risk factors and birth outcomes between American Indian and whites in North Dakota. Methods A retrospective descriptive analysis of North Dakota live births from 2007 to 2012 was conducted. Period prevalence and prevalence ratios were calculated. Results The infant mortality rate from 2010 to 2012 for infants born to American Indian women was 3.5 times higher than whites. Racial disparities existed in education, teen births, tobacco use during pregnancy, and breastfeeding initiation. Disparities widened for inadequate prenatal care, illegal drug use during pregnancy, and infant mortality from 2007-2009 to 2010-2012 and narrowed for sexually transmitted infections and alcohol use during pregnancy. Conclusions for Practice American Indians are disproportionately affected by poor pregnancy and birth outcomes in North Dakota. Future geographic-specific American Indian research is warranted to aid current and future public health interventions.

Breastfeeding is essential in improving maternal and child health; however, women in abusive relationships may face additional barriers to breastfeeding. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of violence on breastfeeding behaviors to inform healthcare practices and interventions.