BREASTFEEDING ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES AMONG PERSIAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN IMMIGRANT/REFUGEE WOMEN IN CALIFORNIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION EDUCATION.

摘要

Immigrant mothers who breastfeed infants born in their native countries often abandon breastfeeding when they immigrate to the United States (U.S.). This trend contrasts sharply with the national increase in breastfeeding among U.S. mothers likely reflecting scientific evidence that mothers' milk is the best possible food for an infant (Jellife & Jellife, 1978).; This study explored breastfeeding practices among 150 Persian and Southeast Asian low-income immigrant mothers in California. Through a survey interview these mothers identified factors that affected the decision to breastfeed their infants. Age, education, and ethnicity influenced the decision. Advantages to breastfeeding more often cited by mothers who breastfed included feeling close to the baby, providing immunity for the baby, feeling it was best for the baby, and having previous successful breastfeeding experiences. Disadvantages more often cited by mothers who did not breastfeed included returning to work or school, difficulty with the continual presence of the infant, the convenience of bottle-feeding, and the availability of free formula from government agencies. Conclusions were drawn about the need for changing roles of government agencies, health-care practitioners, and other support groups for low-income immigrant mothers' decision to breastfeed.