Breastfeeding initiation among a low income multiethnic population in northern California: an exploratory study

Influences on the decision to initiate breastfeeding among low income mothers served by a suburban medical center in northern California were explored. Sixty-four mothers of children 0-24 months of age were interviewed in English or Spanish regarding their infant feeding education, breastfeeding attitudes and behavior, and social support. Fifty-nine percent reported having discussed infant feeding with a physician; these mothers were more likely to attempt breastfeeding than those who did not. Fifty-nine percent of the entire study population initiated breastfeeding. Initiation rates were highest for the Asian American group (86 percent), and lowest for Latinas (48 percent). Further research is needed regarding modifiable influences on breastfeeding initiation, including physician encouragement to breastfeed, for various ethnic groups.