How Social, Cultural, and Economic Environments Shape Infant Feeding for Low-Income Women: A Qualitative Study in North Carolina

Background This study focuses on the cultural, social, and economic factors that shape infant feeding practices among low-income mothers. Objective The objective was to understand factors that inhibit or facilitate breastfeeding practices of low-income mothers, including how they are linked to broader social, cultural, and economic processes. Design In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with women about their feeding practices and food environments, including their experiences with breastfeeding and formula feeding. Participants The sample was comprised of 98 low-income mothers with at least one child between 2 and 9 years old at the time of interview. Results Sixteen mothers (16.7%) breastfed for 6 months, and six (6.3%) were still breastfeeding at 12 months. Only 11 mothers (11.5%) exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Women reported several factors influencing infant feeding: interactions with medical providers, work environments, shared living spaces and family supports, and concerns about supply and production. Conclusions This research highlights the complex interplay of economic and social barriers that shape how and what low-income women feed their infants. The study contributes to a better understanding of the social, cultural, and economic constraints faced by women in poverty. To improve breastfeeding rates among low-income women, it is important to examine the impacts of poverty and food insecurity on infant feeding practices.