Breastfeeding beliefs of low-income primigravidae.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to elicit salient beliefs regarding breastfeeding in low-income, primigravidae. Open-ended questions were used in taped interviews with 41 pregnant women who intended to breastfeed. Basic content analysis was used to identify recurrent beliefs. Infant health benefits and improved bonding were frequently mentioned advantages; disadvantages included interference with maternal schedule, inability of others to feed infant, and physical discomfort. Family members, husbands/boyfriends, and health care providers were thought to approve of breastfeeding. These findings may facilitate efforts to increase breastfeeding initiation by examining beliefs fostering or inhibiting breastfeeding in this population.