Does breastfeeding empower women? Insights from a select group of educated, low-income, minority women.

A grounded theory study examined the breastfeeding experiences of a small group of educated, low-income, minority women. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. The five themes that emerged as primary descriptors of the experience were against all odds, personal motivation, support, attachment, and telling the world. These themes help to identify the factors that enhanced successful breastfeeding among this select sample of women, and demonstrate that the perception of successful breastfeeding can have an empowering effect on women.