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“ Las Dos Cosas ” on the U.S.‐México Border
Author(s) -
Anchondo Ines,
Flores Angela,
Huang Cindy,
Finch Casey
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.581.7
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , demography , breast milk , breast feeding , demographics , infant formula , infant feeding , family medicine , pregnancy , pediatrics , obstetrics , biochemistry , chemistry , sociology , biology , genetics
Objective Determine breastfeeding barriers on the U.S‐México border (El Paso, Texas), with high breastfeeding initiation (84%, hospital discharge), but low duration (16%, 3 months after delivery). Methods: 300 mostly Mexican‐American low‐income mothers answered a 14‐question survey about infant feeding, socio‐demographics, and health habits. Results: Breastfeeding barriers included deciding to breastfeed and formula feed (72%) or do “las dos cosas” after delivery. Only 61 mothers (20%) chose exclusive breastfeeding and 22 mothers (7%) chose exclusive formula feeding after delivery. Although new mothers were educated about breastfeeding, 32% still chose to formula feed in the immediate postpartum period. Multiple regression analysis showed barriers to breastfeeding included deciding during pregnancy not to exclusively breastfeed and not having breastfed previous children. Other barriers included not having enough breast milk (33%), planning to go back to work or school (17%), and not having a female relative to provide support. Acculturation did not play a role in breastfeeding decision. The ‘any’ breastfeeding rate was 94% and exclusive breastfeeding rate was 22%. Conclusion Mexican‐American mothers who decide to breastfeed during pregnancy or have breastfed other children are more likely to choose exclusive breastfeeding after delivery. Official breastfeeding rates for Mexican‐American mothers are misleading, because although these mothers' breastfeeding initiation is high, many begin to offer formula immediately after birth. This practice of “las dos cosas” must be considered when providing breastfeeding support to these mothers. Research support: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ‐ Pediatrics