Breastfeeding by Hispanic Women

To review the literature to describe Hispanic breastfeeding beliefs, attitudes, and practices in the United States. Using the search terms Hispanics and breastfeeding, both CINAHAL and MEDLINE (Ovid) databases were queried. Only research studies conducted in the United States from 1998 and 2008 were included in the review. Fifty-five articles were located. Based on inclusion criteria, 38 research articles were included in this review. Each study was analyzed in relation to the purpose of the review. Study findings were synthesized and organized into categories: acculturation status, breastfeeding intention, factors influencing initiation, breastfeeding barriers, breastfeeding support, and breastfeeding interventions. Breastfeeding initiation rates are high among Hispanics living in the United States. Newly immigrated women initiate and continue to breastfeed longer than more acculturated women. Unfortunately, exclusive breastfeeding and duration rates fall well below the desired goals of Healthy People 2010. Interventions aimed at encouraging and supporting women to maintain their cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices related to breastfeeding are needed.