Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113665

Sophia Yvonn Autrey, MPH, CLC, WIC Branch/Division of Public Health, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2 Peachtree Street N.W., Suite 10.495, Atlanta, GA 30303, (404)657-6073, syautrey@dhr.state.ga.us and Carol A. MacGowan, MPH, RD, LD, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Family Health Branch/Division of Public Health, 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 11.222, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Objective: To determine breastfeeding obstacles among women enrolled in the WIC program. Methods: A 15-item questionnaire was developed to assess the most common reasons women chose to initiate or maintain breastfeeding. Data collection was implemented through interviews at four local WIC agencies during the certification, recertification or voucher pick-up processes. Results: Pain was sited as the most common obstacle to breastfeeding, regardless of race. Women were more likely to breastfeed if they themselves were breastfed. African American women interviewed were less likely to be breastfed as a child. Six percent of the women surveyed cited work or school as an obstacle to breastfeeding. This obstacle occurred more often among African American women than Caucasian or Hispanic women. Conclusion: This study is a preliminary assessment of the differences in the obstacles to breastfeeding among various racial and ethnic groups. Since pain was the most common reason women chose to discontinue or not initiate breastfeeding, proper lactation procedures and support would greatly enhance current breastfeeding programs. Having been breastfed as a child plays an important role in a woman's decision to breastfeed. Cultural and environmental influences should be explored further for its effects on breastfeeding practices. Current class structures should be enhanced to respond to barriers, myths and cultural influences that shape breastfeeding practices.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Participants will be able to identify the common obstacles women on the WIC Program face when deciding to breastfeed.
• 2)Participants will learn how cultural differences can influence breastfeeding practices.
• 3)Participants will learn the importance of cultural sensitivity when addressing breastfeeding for different populations.

Keywords: African American, Breastfeeding

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.