African American Women and Breastfeeding: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a review of literature regarding factors that influence breastfeeding intentions, initiation, and duration in the African American population. Research related to health disparities experienced by African Americans in the United States, as well as research regarding the protective benefits of breastfeeding for those specific health disparities, are also presented. Community and institutional interventions and promotional campaigns aimed at increasing initiation and duration of breastfeeding in the African American population are discussed. Future research regarding African American women's breastfeeding experiences using Black feminist thought as a theoretical foundation is recommended.

Enhancing Breastfeeding Rates Among African American Women: A Systematic Review of Current Psychosocial Interventions

“…African American mothers often perceive inadequate care from their healthcare practitioners in ways that may compromise breastfeeding behavior. 45,59 Factors surrounding return to work are critical barriers, particularly for African American women who tend to be in lower-income jobs, 109 have shorter maternity leaves, 21,110 and return to less supportive work environments. 57,58,110 Provisions for workplace support of breastfeeding remain inconsistent and nominal for all women.…”

“…55,56 Black mothers in the United States are also disproportionately more likely to experience the workplace as unsupportive of breastfeeding. On average, they return to work at 8 weeks postpartum, which is earlier than women from other racial and ethnic groups, 21 and once they return to work, they encounter less flexible work conditions. 57,58 Finally, several modifiable predictors of low rates of breastfeeding, such as lack of personal support, 7 inadequate access to professional breastfeeding resources, 36,59 racially biased health care, 60 and low breastfeeding self-efficacy, contribute to the range of breastfeeding challenges.…”

“…57,58 Finally, several modifiable predictors of low rates of breastfeeding, such as lack of personal support, 7 inadequate access to professional breastfeeding resources, 36,59 racially biased health care, 60 and low breastfeeding self-efficacy, contribute to the range of breastfeeding challenges. 21,45,61,62 Although these predictors are not unique to black mothers, they are disproportionally prevalent in this group and therefore may contribute to the low breastfeeding rates among African American women.…”

“…21,28,29,63 Targeted breastfeeding interventions for black mothers could potentially increase their breastfeeding uptake. In the next section, and as the main content of this article, we provide methodology for and results from a comprehensive review of currently available breastfeeding interventions in the United States targeting African American mothers.…”

“…Study relevance was consistent with review focus and was determined based on whether articles included a study sample of a substantial (30% or more) proportion of African American mothers or pregnant women. The integrative review by Spencer and Grassley 21 of factors that impact breastfeeding in African American women suggests that similar reviews should reflect a minimum of 25% of the total study sample to ensure adequate representation. This review excluded studies that included mixed-race participants not identified as African American.…”