A comparison of perspectives on breastfeeding between two generations of black American women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine differences in breastfeeding perspectives between two generations of black American women with and without access to governmental food assistance programs (i.e., WIC).


METHODS
Descriptive, comparative study of a convenience sample of 118 black American women in their childbearing years and beyond conducted in a primary rural health care clinic serving an indigent population.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant difference was found between breastfeeding perceptions and rate among younger black American women on WIC program and their mothers without access to these programs. The availability of free formula through WIC programs has partially influenced the rate of breastfeeding among the young black American women. The other significant influencing factor was public embarrassment at breastfeeding.


CONCLUSIONS
An extensive educational campaign is needed in order to influence the public's perceptions of breastfeeding as an embarrassment. The success of programs such as WIC must be measured beyond the first six months of an infant's life.
Fooladi
M M
MM
Beaumont Medical Clinic, University of Southern Mississippi (USM) College of Nursing, USA. marjaneh.fooladi@usm.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children; D001290:Attitude; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000191:economics; D007229:Infant Welfare; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population