title: African American women and breastfeeding: an integrative literature review.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to present a review of literature regarding factors that influence breastfeeding intentions, initiation, and duration in the African American population. Research related to health disparities experienced by African Americans in the United States, as well as research regarding the protective benefits of breastfeeding for those specific health disparities, are also presented. Community and institutional interventions and promotional campaigns aimed at increasing initiation and duration of breastfeeding in the African American population are discussed. Future research regarding African American women's breastfeeding experiences using Black feminist thought as a theoretical foundation is recommended.
authors: Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Baylor University, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. becky_spencer@baylor.edu
authors: Becky S
authors: BS
authors: Spencer
authors: Jane S
authors: JS
authors: Grassley
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States