Breastfeeding Trends by Race/Ethnicity Among US Children Born From 2009 to 2015

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Large racial/ethnic disparities in breastfeeding are associated with adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVES To examine breastfeeding trends by race/ethnicity from 2009 to 2015 and changes in breastfeeding gaps comparing racial/ethnic subgroups with white infants from 2009-2010 to 2014-2015. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This study used data from 167 842 infants from the National Immunization Survey-Child (NIS-Child), a random-digit-dialed telephone survey among a complex, stratified, multistage probability sample of US households with children aged 19 to 35 months at the time of the survey. This study analyzed data collected from

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast milk feedings in US neonatal intensive care units

“…However, unlike other racial/ethnic groups, the disparity between black and white infants of all gestations is widening and may reflect poor access or inequity of breastfeeding programs and supports provided to black mothers. 87 Ultimately, hospital quality of care is one of the causal pathways by which segregation and inequality adversely affect outcomes of very preterm infants. 88…”

Integration of physiological changes during the postpartum period into a PBPK framework and prediction of amoxicillin disposition before and shortly after delivery

“…In developed countries, the large majority of postpartum women initiate breastfeeding after delivery (generally around 80%), although the rates and duration vary considerably between countries, racial/ethnic groups, and socioeconomic status [6,7]. Since many drugs are known to be excreted into the breast milk, medication during the nursing period can result in unintended neonatal drug exposure and even adverse effects on the infant [8].…”

Breastfeeding Support: Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

“…1 Breastfeeding (also called chestfeeding) initiation rates in the United States are high (83%), but continuation rates drop precipitously over the first months after birth. 2 In the United States, there are significant disparities in breastfeeding rates by race and ethnicity. For example, at 6 months of age, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in non-Hispanic black infants is 17.2% compared to 29.5% in non-Hispanic white infants.…”

“…For example, at 6 months of age, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in non-Hispanic black infants is 17.2% compared to 29.5% in non-Hispanic white infants. 2 Racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates persist despite a plethora of research, 3 supportive policies, 4 encouraging recommendations, 1,4 postpartum provision of lactation consultants, and increasing adoption of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. 5,6 Why then is this physiologic stimulus-response mechanism difficult to maintain?…”

“…Human milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants and is recommended as their only food until they reach 6 months of age . Breastfeeding (also called chestfeeding) initiation rates in the United States are high (83%), but continuation rates drop precipitously over the first months after birth . In the United States, there are significant disparities in breastfeeding rates by race and ethnicity.…”