Laura L Brown1, Revina Talker2, Gregory J Stoddard3, Jessica Clayton4, Morgan M Millar5, Yeonjung Jo6, Tyler Bardsley5, Carole H Stipelman4. 1. Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, PO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158, USA. laura.l.brown@hsc.utah.edu. 2. Navajo Mountain Community Health Clinic, Utah Navajo Health Services, Inc., P.O. Box 10100, Tonalea, AZ, 86044, USA. 3. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Room 4C104, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA. 4. Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, PO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158, USA. 5. Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Williams Building, 295 South Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158, USA. 6. Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Williams Building, 295 South Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84158, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Despite known health benefits of breastfeeding, the Navajo have low reported frequency of breastfeeding initiation and support. We evaluated breastfeeding frequencies and practices in the predominately Navajo community of rural San Juan County, Utah, to identify factors that affect breastfeeding decisions and duration. METHODS: We performed retrospective chart review for 135 infants aged 0 to 12 months, and surveys of 85 mothers of infants aged 0 to 2 years, and eight primary care providers. We characterized demographic factors using counts/percentages and medians/inter-quartile ranges, and compared mothers who breastfed for 6 months or less versus greater than 6 months. RESULTS: In 96 infants with complete feeding documentation, 86 infants (90%) received some breast milk and 36 infants (38%) were exclusively breastfed at age 2 months. In 67 infants with complete feeding documentation at ≥ 6 months, 22 infants (33%) were exclusively breastfed 6 months. Most mothers knew about breastfeeding benefits. In 56 mothers whose infants were aged ≥ 6 months at the time of the survey, breastfeeding for more than 6 months had been planned by 44 mothers (79%) but performed by only 29 mothers (52%). Mothers who breastfed for > 6 months were more likely to have been influenced by WIC and less likely to have introduced formula at an early age. Barriers to breastfeeding included maternal pain, latch difficulties, and concerns about inadequate milk supply. Primary care providers reported limited confidence in providing breastfeeding support but would support telehealth-driven interventions. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Practical, culturally sensitive interventions, including telehealth and improved provider education, may improve breastfeeding outcomes and community health in this underserved population.
OBJECTIVES: Despite known health benefits of breastfeeding, the Navajo have low reported frequency of breastfeeding initiation and support. We evaluated breastfeeding frequencies and practices in the predominately Navajo community of rural San Juan County, Utah, to identify factors that affect breastfeeding decisions and duration. METHODS: We performed retrospective chart review for 135 infants aged 0 to 12 months, and surveys of 85 mothers of infants aged 0 to 2 years, and eight primary care providers. We characterized demographic factors using counts/percentages and medians/inter-quartile ranges, and compared mothers who breastfed for 6 months or less versus greater than 6 months. RESULTS: In 96 infants with complete feeding documentation, 86 infants (90%) received some breast milk and 36 infants (38%) were exclusively breastfed at age 2 months. In 67 infants with complete feeding documentation at ≥ 6 months, 22 infants (33%) were exclusively breastfed 6 months. Most mothers knew about breastfeeding benefits. In 56 mothers whose infants were aged ≥ 6 months at the time of the survey, breastfeeding for more than 6 months had been planned by 44 mothers (79%) but performed by only 29 mothers (52%). Mothers who breastfed for > 6 months were more likely to have been influenced by WIC and less likely to have introduced formula at an early age. Barriers to breastfeeding included maternal pain, latch difficulties, and concerns about inadequate milk supply. Primary care providers reported limited confidence in providing breastfeeding support but would support telehealth-driven interventions. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Practical, culturally sensitive interventions, including telehealth and improved provider education, may improve breastfeeding outcomes and community health in this underserved population.
Authors: Cara L Eckhardt; Tam Lutz; Njeri Karanja; Jared B Jobe; Gerardo Maupomé; Cheryl Ritenbaugh Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet Date: 2014-06-18 Impact factor: 4.910
Authors: Alison McFadden; Anna Gavine; Mary J Renfrew; Angela Wade; Phyll Buchanan; Jane L Taylor; Emma Veitch; Anne Marie Rennie; Susan A Crowther; Sara Neiman; Stephen MacGillivray Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2017-02-28