Strategies for Increasing Breastfeeding in Disadvantaged Communities
PI: Ninez Ponce, UC Los Angeles
There are significant racial/ethnic inequities in breastfeeding rates as well as rates of breast cancer and mortality. Breastfeeding has been shown to help prevent breast cancer, but most people surveyed didn’t know this. CBCRP developed a prevention plan highlighting the barriers to breastfeeding and identifying goals to improving breastfeeding rates, and this study set out to determine how and whether goals outlined in the report may need to be adapted to address the specific social and cultural characteristics of disadvantaged groups. Through a literature review, consulting an advisory board, and interviewing key experts, researchers explored the challenges African American, Asian American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mothers face when trying to breastfeed. The study detected hurdles including a lack of community and family support, workplace barriers like insufficient leave and inadequate pumping accommodations, limited education on breastfeeding, and poor insurance coverage for lactation consultants and doulas. Many mothers also noted that breastfeeding campaigns didn’t reflect their cultural backgrounds, making it harder to connect with the message. The report didn’t just highlight problems — it also provided recommendations for policies and programs to better support breastfeeding mothers.
- New Release - https://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/our-work/publications/reducing-barriers-breastfeeding-disadvantaged-communities
- Report - https://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/2024-01/cbcrp-report-final_1.2.24.pdf
