Predictors of Anticipated Breastfeeding in an Urban, Low-Income Setting

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Original Research

Predictors of Anticipated Breastfeeding in an Urban, Low-Income Setting

J Fam Pract. 2000 June;49(6):529-533

References

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Several significant associations were identified, including limited maternal educational attainment and decreased likelihood of infant breastfeeding (OR=0.18). This association between breastfeeding and education has been noted previously.^5,6 In addition, encouragement from the subject’s mother was noted to increase the likelihood of breastfeeding 12-fold. The broad application of breastfeeding promotion programs to include members of a woman’s social support system has been suggested as a means of increasing breastfeeding rates.^9,11,12 Similarly, the lack of social support for breastfeeding has been associated with increased bottle-feeding.¹³

A recent article reported limited knowledge of breastfeeding issues and techniques among family medicine attending physicians and residents.¹⁴ To address these knowledge gaps findings from this study should be used to develop educational interventions that actively promote breastfeeding among members of this community and in similar patient populations. Family medicine centers, for example, could develop a family-centered intervention whereby mothers and grandmothers of pregnant patients might use a structured forum to encourage breastfeeding by reviewing known benefits and sharing stories of successful breastfeeding experiences. The importance of soliciting and maintaining the involvement of the baby’s father in the promotion of breastfeeding is supported by our study, as well as by previous reports.^8,15-17 In this educational context, fathers might be persuaded to attend prenatal visits where the topic of infant feeding is addressed. Various financial incentives could also be used to stimulate the participation of urban, minority pregnant women and their families and partners in educational workshops.¹⁸ These forums should provide opportunities to address the prevalent misperceptions regarding the effects and benefits of breastfeeding.

Conclusions

This study presents unique data regarding anticipated infant feeding practices among predominantly African American patients from a low-income, urban community. The results reveal decreased anticipated breastfeeding among newly postpartum women with less than a high school education and increased anticipated breastfeeding when encouraged by the baby’s father and their own mother.

Family physicians should promote breastfeeding through provision of a positive office environment, anticipatory guidance, and ongoing communication with the patient and her social supports.^4,17 With active discussion and promotion of breastfeeding among urban, indigent communities, more pregnant women may consider, initiate, and maintain breastfeeding as the primary nutritional source for their infants.