Breastfeeding for social justice and human rights: Addressing racial disparities

Background: Lack of breastfeeding (BF) significantly increases childhood infections and hospitalizations as well as obesity, diabetes, breast and other cancers in both the mother and child. CGBI conducted or has been involved with nine studies that have shed light on some of the issues and disparities associated with BF in North Carolina, especially concerning differences in services available to and behaviors among specific minority populations. Methods: The methods vary among studies, from literature review and extrapolation, secondary data analysis, and formative research to electronic survey and primary data analysis. Findings: Major themes emerged from these studies: Health professionals and the public, alike, are not fully aware of the risks to women's and children's health associated with lack of BF; Women are not achieving their BF intentions; The majority of the women who would like to breastfeed are not enabled to do so; Among minority groups in particular, there is a need for social support and self-efficacy development. These may be addressed with specialized social marketing approaches; Disparities in infant health and mortality merit targeted BF support, e.g., through WIC and Medicaid. Other preventive issues would include birth spacing and stress issues; There are many supportive actions that have been identified and that are amenable to action, legislation and/or regulation, including, but not limited to, workplace, child care services, health systems, health worker training, social protection, informing the public, emergency preparedness. Discussion: Findings identify clear next policy and program actions needed to increase equity in rates of infant mortality and mortality.