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Understanding breastfeeding initiation and continuation in rural communities: a combined qualitative/quantitative approach.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Flower, KB; Willoughby, M; Cadigan, RJ; Perrin, EM; Randolph, G; Family Life Project Investigative Team,
Published in: Matern Child Health J
May 2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with breastfeeding in rural communities. METHODS: We combined qualitative and quantitative data from the Family Life Project, consisting of: (1) a longitudinal cohort study (N=1292) of infants born September 2003-2004 and (2) a parallel ethnographic study (N=30 families). Demographic characteristics, maternal and infant health factors, and health services were used to predict breastfeeding initiation and discontinuation using logistic and Cox regression models, respectively. Ethnographic interviews identified additional reasons for not initiating or continuing breastfeeding. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of women initiated breastfeeding and 18% continued for at least 6 months. Maternal employment at 2 months and receiving WIC were associated with decreased breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Ethnographic data suggested that many women had never even considered breastfeeding and often discontinued breastfeeding due to discomfort, embarrassment, and lack of assistance. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding rates in these rural communities lag behind national averages. Opportunities for increasing breastfeeding in rural communities include enhancing workplace support, maximizing the role of WIC, increasing hospital breastfeeding assistance, and creating a social environment in which breastfeeding is normative.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Matern Child Health J

DOI

ISSN

1092-7875

Publication Date

May 2008

Volume

12

Issue

3

Start / End Page

402 / 414

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Qualitative Research
  • Public Health
  • Pregnancy
  • Poverty
  • Pennsylvania
  • North Carolina
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Infant, Newborn
 

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Flower, K. B., Willoughby, M., Cadigan, R. J., Perrin, E. M., Randolph, G., & Family Life Project Investigative Team, . (2008). Understanding breastfeeding initiation and continuation in rural communities: a combined qualitative/quantitative approach. Matern Child Health J, 12(3), 402–414. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-007-0248-6
Flower, Kori B., Michael Willoughby, R Jean Cadigan, Eliana M. Perrin, Greg Randolph, and Greg Family Life Project Investigative Team. “Understanding breastfeeding initiation and continuation in rural communities: a combined qualitative/quantitative approach.Matern Child Health J 12, no. 3 (May 2008): 402–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-007-0248-6.
Flower KB, Willoughby M, Cadigan RJ, Perrin EM, Randolph G, Family Life Project Investigative Team. Understanding breastfeeding initiation and continuation in rural communities: a combined qualitative/quantitative approach. Matern Child Health J. 2008 May;12(3):402–14.
Flower, Kori B., et al. “Understanding breastfeeding initiation and continuation in rural communities: a combined qualitative/quantitative approach.Matern Child Health J, vol. 12, no. 3, May 2008, pp. 402–14. Pubmed, doi:10.1007/s10995-007-0248-6.
Flower KB, Willoughby M, Cadigan RJ, Perrin EM, Randolph G, Family Life Project Investigative Team. Understanding breastfeeding initiation and continuation in rural communities: a combined qualitative/quantitative approach. Matern Child Health J. 2008 May;12(3):402–414.
Journal cover image

Published In

Matern Child Health J

DOI

ISSN

1092-7875

Publication Date

May 2008

Volume

12

Issue

3

Start / End Page

402 / 414

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Qualitative Research
  • Public Health
  • Pregnancy
  • Poverty
  • Pennsylvania
  • North Carolina
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Infant, Newborn