Exclusive Breastfeeding Experiences among Mexican American Women.
BACKGROUND
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanic breastfeeding mothers begin early formula supplementation at higher rates than other ethnic groups, which can lead to shorter breastfeeding duration and decreased exclusive breastfeeding. Acculturation, the process of adopting beliefs and behaviors of another culture, appears to influence breastfeeding practices of Hispanic women in the United States. Little is known about Mexican American mothers' formula use and exclusive breastfeeding within the context of acculturation.


OBJECTIVE
Our study identified perceived benefits and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding and levels of acculturation among Mexican American women living in a Midwestern city.


METHODS
We used a qualitative descriptive design integrating Pender's Health Promotion Model concepts. Individual interviews were conducted in English or Spanish (N = 21). The revised Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans was used to examine acculturation levels.


RESULTS
Acculturation scores indicated that the majority (66%) of the sample was "very Mexican oriented." Most women exclusively breastfed, with a few using early supplementation for "insufficient milk production." Three themes emerged: (1) It is natural that a woman give life and also provide the best food for her baby; (2) Breastfeeding is ultimately a woman's decision but is influenced by tradition, guidance, and encouragement; and (3) Breast milk is superior but life circumstances can challenge one's ability to breastfeed.


CONCLUSIONS
Strong familial/cultural traditions supported and normalized breastfeeding. Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding were similar to breastfeeding women in general, in the United States. Findings support the need for culturally competent and individualized lactation care.
School of Nursing, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA kwambach@kumc.edu.
Karen
K
Wambach
School of Nursing, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Elaine Williams
EW
Domian
Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Sallie
S
Page-Goertz
Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Heather
H
Wurtz
Lathrop Medical Clinic, Lathrop, MO, USA.
Kelli
K
Hoffman
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D065246:Culturally Competent Care; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
Mexican American; acculturation; breastfeeding; exclusive breastfeeding