Infant Feeding Exposure and Personal Experiences of African American Mothers

Examination of Factors That Contribute to Breastfeeding Disparities and Inequities for Black Women in the US

“…Black women acknowledge that breastfeeding is the optimal feeding choice for their infants and that exposure from family, friends, coworkers, health care providers, and the internet influenced them to initiate breastfeeding. 29 The internet was cited as a useful tool for Black mothers to connect on social media sites with other breastfeeding Black mothers and allowed Black women to conduct their research about breastfeeding to help overcome challenges. 29 However, a study of infant care practices of US-born NHB and foreign-born NHB women revealed that the use of books for infant care information was positively associated with stronger perceptions of control and favorable attitudes about breastfeeding, whereas the internet was not.…”

“…29 The internet was cited as a useful tool for Black mothers to connect on social media sites with other breastfeeding Black mothers and allowed Black women to conduct their research about breastfeeding to help overcome challenges. 29 However, a study of infant care practices of US-born NHB and foreign-born NHB women revealed that the use of books for infant care information was positively associated with stronger perceptions of control and favorable attitudes about breastfeeding, whereas the internet was not. It is postulated that the infant care books gave consistent positive information about breastfeeding while the information found on the internet conveyed both positive and negative information about breastfeeding.…”

“…39 Health care providers, lactation consultants, and peer counselors with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition and educational support program have all been identified as instrumental in supporting Black women to successfully breastfeed. 29 Support and encouragement from postpartum nurses are crucial in the early establishment of breastfeeding. 40 Nurses' supportive behavior is predicted by their knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding.…”

“…41 Black women seeking prenatal care self-reported that all health care providers who interacted with them, whereas pregnant did not provide adequate support. 21,29 Determining factors that support better rapport between patient and provider is critical to improving care. Some research suggests that patient-provider race concordance creates a positive rapport and establishes trust.…”

“…43 Some women indicated that they had detailed conversations about breastfeeding with their health care providers, whereas many indicated that their doctor asked about feeding preferences and did not educate the women about the benefits of breastfeeding. 29 Qualitative interviews with 33 Black breastfeeding women demonstrated a need for specific prenatal breastfeeding education regarding what to expect and how to breastfeed. 29 An additional study noted that African American pregnant women (n = 20) who received various levels of breastfeeding information ranging from a pamphlet on breastfeeding to discussions at each prenatal visit were overall satisfied with their prenatal care and education provided.…”