Abstract:
Breast-feeding is a universally accepted practice that is supported by the World Health organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics. There are multiple health benefits that protect breast-fed infants and breast-feeding women against infections and/or diseases. Statistics indicate that breast-feeding rates are below the recommended rate set by Healthy People 2010 with a pronounced decrease among immigrant populations. Different cultural beliefs and attitudes may influence breast-feeding practices. One of the fastest growing immigrant segments in the United States is the Hispanic population. Projections suggest rapid growth may continue for the next fifty years. Since breast-feeding makes a fundamental contribution to the health and welfare of infants and women worldwide, it is important to understand why the practice of breastfeeding may decline when Hispanic women move from the country of origin to the United States.The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of Hispanic immigrant women toward breastfeeding. A convenience sample of immigrant women giving birth to a healthy newborn at 37 weeks gestation or greater at a community hospital will be obtained. The study will be conducted in a Midwest community and consist of all pregnant women, 18 years of age and older who are immigrants living in the UnitedStates three years or less, intend to breastfeed, have telephone access and are willing to participate.A convenience sample of 30 voluntary participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire on attitudes about the benefits and barriers to breast-feeding in their primary language during the first 36 hours post delivery and be interviewed by phone on their decisions to continue breast-feeding at two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks and 16 weeks. Participants can withdraw from the study at anytime. Data will remain anonymous.The theoretical framework for the research study is Leininger's Theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality. The goal of the theory is to provide culturally congruent care to the health and well being of individuals and families. This study is significant because it will provide information for health care providers about attitudes that can be addressed during prenatal care and in breast-feeding education classes to improve initiation, duration and satisfaction with breast-feeding.