Objectives: Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, an alarming number of women in the U.S. do not breastfeed. Breastfeeding rates are particularly low among disadvantaged women in the Southeast region. This research quantified the importance of and ranked identified barriers to breastfeeding among Mississippi WIC clients. Methods: In 1998, site visits were conducted to 18 health department clinics throughout the state. Pregnant women visiting the clinics for WIC certification on the day(s) of the site visits completed a 2-page, self-administered questionnaire. Twelve questionnaire items addressed women's perceptions of barriers to breastfeeding, with four items addressing each of the following barriers: embarrassment, time and social constraints, and lack of social support from family and friends. Demographic and other relevant data were collected. Results: A representative sample of 694 women were surveyed. Embarrassment and perceived lack of social support appeared to be the most important barriers to breastfeeding. A majority of respondents felt embarrassed about breastfeeding outside their homes or in front of family members, as well as about pumping their breasts at school or work. The baby's father, the maternal grandmother, and other female relatives were commonly perceived to be not supportive of breastfeeding. Conclusion: Breastfeeding promotion programs targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations would be most effective if they address the embarrassment barrier and the role of family members. By improving the maternal and child health status of low-income people, such programs can bring the nation closer to its goal of eliminating health disparities.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1) identify and rank main barriers to breastfeeding among low-income at the turn of the millenium; 2) create multi-item scales to measure those barriers; 3) analyze the impact of the findings on future breastfeeding promotion programs
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.