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Intention to Breastfeed as a Predictor of Initiation of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Hispanic Women

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Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the most efficacious form of infant feeding and nutrition. Hispanic mothers in the US are more likely than mothers of other racial/ethnic groups to supplement with formula in the first 2 days of life. The purpose of this study was to explore infant feeding intentions during the prenatal period as a predictor of EBF at postpartum discharge in a sample of Hispanic women (n = 99). At discharge, 51 % of the women were EBF, 44 % were breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, and 5 % were feeding only formula. Intention to breastfeed was found to be a strong and potentially modifiable predictor of breastfeeding behavior, showing a significant association with EBF upon discharge from the hospital after birth when linked with acceptance of pregnancy and method of delivery. Prenatal care offers a unique opportunity to enhance intentions to breastfeed that may lead to improved EBF in this health vulnerable population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, 315 College of Nursing Building, Lexington, KY, 40536-0230, USA

    Ana M. Linares, Mary K. Rayens, Maria L. Gomez & Yevgeniya Gokun

  2. Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica, Chile

    Ana M. Linares

  3. College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 315 College of Nursing Building, Lexington, KY, 40536-0230, USA

    Mary K. Rayens

  4. Prevention Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Room CC444, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Mark B. Dignan

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  1. Ana M. Linares
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  2. Mary K. Rayens
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Correspondence to Ana M. Linares.

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Linares, A.M., Rayens, M.K., Gomez, M.L. et al. Intention to Breastfeed as a Predictor of Initiation of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Hispanic Women. J Immigrant Minority Health 17, 1192–1198 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0049-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0049-0

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