What Does Infant Feeding Mean to African American Women and Their Support Persons

Abstract

<h2>Poster Presentation</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To understand and describe infant feeding practices of African American mothers as well as the infant feeding perceptions and experiences of their support persons. <h3>Design</h3> A qualitative critical ethnographic research design. <h3>Setting</h3> Participants were recruited from community‐based, public health, and home visiting programs. <h3>Sample</h3> A purposive sample of 14 pregnant African American women and eight support persons were recruited. <h3>Methods</h3> Twenty‐two participants (14 pregnant women and eight support persons) were interviewed about and observed for infant feeding decisions during the antepartum and postpartum periods using a critical ethnographic approach. Through thematic analysis, key themes were identified. <h3>Results</h3> Most participants intended to breastfeed exclusively before birth and noted the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits for mothers and infants. Yet combination feeding (the use of breast milk and formula) was a common occurrence after birth, and participants felt guilty for not being able to breastfeed exclusively. Life experiences (e.g., lack of breastfeeding role models, education and/or employment aspirations) also played a role in intentions and perceptions about breastfeeding. <h3>Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice</h3> These data suggest African American women want to breastfeed and that future interventions geared toward this population should include messaging related to combination feeding and increased support for all mothers regardless of their infant feeding methods. Public health measures aimed at reducing the current infant feeding disparities would benefit by incorporating a more culturally inclusive messages related to breastfeeding.