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Understanding Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Outcomes in a Sample of African American Women

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Abstract

Objectives

Persistent disparities in breastfeeding rates among African American (AA) women compared to other population groups have motivated researchers to understand factors influencing breastfeeding choices using a variety of methods. Quantitative surveys are more commonly reported, however, qualitative work that amplifies voices of AA women is limited.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a randomized controlled feasibility trial focused on breastfeeding support for AA women in Detroit, MI. Thirteen women were enrolled in the qualitative portion of the study described here. Using the Socioecological model (SEM) as the theoretical foundation, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to explore perceived facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Theoretical thematic analysis.

Results

Women reported factors ranging from micro to macro SEM levels that discouraged or reinforced breastfeeding. Key challenges included breastfeeding-related discouragement issues, including factors that decreased confidence and led women to terminate breastfeeding (e.g., problems with latching, pumping, lack of comfort with breastfeeding in public, and work constraints). Facilitators included perceived mother and infant benefits, perseverance/commitment/self-motivation, pumping ability, and social support. Participant suggestions for expanding breastfeeding promotion and support included: (1) tangible, immediate, and proactive support; (2) positive non-judgmental support; (3) “milk supply” and “use of pump” education; and (4) self-motivation/willpower/perseverance.

Conclusions for Practice

Despite the identification of common facilitators, findings reveal AA women face many obstacles to meeting breastfeeding recommendations. Collaborative discussions between women and healthcare providers focused on suggestions provided by AA women should be encouraged.

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Funding

This study was funded by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R21HD085138-02).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA

    Gayle M. Shipp, Lorraine J. Weatherspoon & Jean M. Kerver

  2. Wayne State University, Detroit, USA

    Gwendolyn S. Norman

  3. Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA

    Gwen L. Alexander

  4. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Deanne Kelleher

Authors
  1. Gayle M. Shipp
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  2. Lorraine J. Weatherspoon
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  3. Gwendolyn S. Norman
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  4. Gwen L. Alexander
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  5. Deanne Kelleher
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  6. Jean M. Kerver
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Correspondence to Gayle M. Shipp.

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Shipp, G.M., Weatherspoon, L.J., Norman, G.S. et al. Understanding Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Outcomes in a Sample of African American Women. Matern Child Health J 26, 853–862 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03261-w

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