Racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. breastfeeding and implications for maternal and child health outcomes

Abstract Marked racial and ethnic disparities exist in infant feeding in the United States. Based on a review of recent literature, this article examines current discrepancies between the 2020 Healthy People breastfeeding goals and current breastfeeding rates among women from different ethnic groups...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Seminars in perinatology 2017-08, Vol.41 (5), p.299-307
Main Authors: Louis-Jacques, Adetola, MD, Deubel, Tara F., PhD, Taylor, Melina, MA, Stuebe, Alison M., MD. MSc
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast Feeding - ethnology
Breast Feeding - statistics & numerical data
Breastfeeding
Continental Population Groups
Disparities
Ethnic Groups
Female
Health outcomes
Health Promotion - methods
Healthcare Disparities - ethnology
Healthcare Disparities - standards
Humans
Infant
Infant Health - ethnology
Lactation
Maternal Health - ethnology
Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
Quality Improvement
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Summary:Abstract Marked racial and ethnic disparities exist in infant feeding in the United States. Based on a review of recent literature, this article examines current discrepancies between the 2020 Healthy People breastfeeding goals and current breastfeeding rates among women from different ethnic groups in the United States. We discuss maternal and child health outcomes associated with breastfeeding, and we review potential causes of racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding outcomes in the United States, especially among non-Hispanic Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latina populations. We conclude with an overview of best practices in interventions aimed to increase U.S. breastfeeding rates, such as adoption of the baby friendly hospital initiative (BHFI) and programs that utilize peer counseling strategies to increase breastfeeding promotion and support.
ISSN:0146-0005
1558-075X
DOI:10.1053/j.semperi.2017.04.007