Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Publisher
National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
Source Publication
Journal of the National Black Nurses Association
Source ISSN
0885-6028
Abstract
It is well documented in the literature that breastfeeding is more beneficial for infants and mothers than is formula feeding. Yet, African-American women are least likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding compared to other ethnic groups. Few studies have examined African-American women's infant feeding choices from the women's perspectives. Therefore, the purpose of this
exploratory study was to examine African-American women's infant feeding choices with individual narrative interviews at 3 weeks postpartum. Five African-American women participated. After coding and analyzing the narrative interviews, three major themes with sub-themes emerged that identified influencing factors on participants' choices and their opinions about other women who chose formula. The women willingly shared their rationales for their infant feeding methods. In an effort to develop and implement culturally appropriate interventions and to increase breastfeeding rates in this population, further exploration of infant feeding choices from the women's perspectives is needed.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Karen Marie and VandeVusse, Leona, "Exploration of African American Women’s Infant Feeding Choices" (2009). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 798.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/798
Comments
Published version. Journal of the National Black Nurses Association, Vol. 20, No. 2 (2009): 32-37. Publisher link. © National Black Nurses Association Inc. Used with permission.