Breastfeeding by Hispanic women.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature to describe Hispanic breastfeeding beliefs, attitudes, and practices in the United States.


METHODS
Using the search terms "Hispanics" and "breastfeeding," both CINAHAL and MEDLINE (Ovid) databases were queried. Only research studies conducted in the United States from 1998 and 2008 were included in the review.


METHODS
Fifty-five articles were located. Based on inclusion criteria, 38 research articles were included in this review.


METHODS
Each study was analyzed in relation to the purpose of the review.


RESULTS
Study findings were synthesized and organized into categories: acculturation status, breastfeeding intention, factors influencing initiation, breastfeeding barriers, breastfeeding support, and breastfeeding interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
Breastfeeding initiation rates are high among Hispanics living in the United States. Newly immigrated women initiate and continue to breastfeed longer than more acculturated women. Unfortunately, exclusive breastfeeding and duration rates fall well below the desired goals of Healthy People 2010. Interventions aimed at encouraging and supporting women to maintain their cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices related to breastfeeding are needed.
Gill
Sara L
SL
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio School of Nursing, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. gills@uthscsa.edu