The Bosom Buddy Project: A Breastfeeding Support Group Sponsored by the Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition for Black and Minority Women in Indiana

J Hum Lact. 2015 Nov;31(4):587-91. doi: 10.1177/0890334415581617. Epub 2015 Apr 20.

Abstract

In 2012, the Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition (IBBC) used grant funds to increase participation in the Bosom Buddy Project, an original breastfeeding support group that pairs breastfeeding mothers with trained mentors. Resources for local organizations that support breastfeeding are extremely limited, making it difficult to expand programs and services. This article describes a variety of strategies used by the IBBC to expand programs and services. These activities provide a template for other community-based organizations that wish to provide culturally sensitive breastfeeding support in their community.

Keywords: African American mothers; black breastfeeding coalitions; black mothers; breastfeeding; breastfeeding support; community support; community-based organizations; culturally sensitive interventions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American*
  • Breast Feeding / ethnology*
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Culturally Competent Care / methods*
  • Culturally Competent Care / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Financing, Government
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Indiana
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Minority Groups*
  • Postnatal Care / methods*
  • Postnatal Care / organization & administration
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self-Help Groups / organization & administration*
  • Social Support
  • United States