Background: Mothers in the southeastern United States, including rural-dwelling and African American mothers, have historically had low rates of breastfeeding; however, no studies have investigated these mothers' experiences of breastfeeding support processes associated with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Research aim: This study aimed to determine factors influencing southeastern U.S. mothers' participation in Baby-Friendly practices and breastfeeding decisions.
Methods: Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, medical record review of mother-infant dyads ( n = 234) provided data to determine if those who participated in more than half of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding had improved breastfeeding outcomes. Logistic regression was conducted to determine whether maternal demographic/clinical characteristics were predictive of Baby-Friendly practice participation. Qualitative methods included in-depth interviews ( n = 16). Directed content analysis was conducted to identify themes. Results of the analysis of the two data sets were triangulated to enhance understanding of mothers' barriers to and facilitators of participation in Baby-Friendly practices.
Results: Rural-dwelling and African American mothers had greater odds of nonparticipation in Baby-Friendly practices relative to other groups (odds ratios = 5 and 10, respectively; p ≤ .01). Mothers who received lactation consultation and had moderate (15-44 min) or completed (≥ 45 min) skin-to-skin contact had greater odds of participation in Baby-Friendly practices (both odds ratios ≥ 17.5; p < .05). Directed content analysis revealed six themes: maternal desire to breastfeed, infant state, maternal state, milk supply concerns, provider support, and access to breastfeeding equipment and support services.
Conclusion: Rural-dwelling African American mothers had limited knowledge of Baby-Friendly practices; however, culturally tailored services could improve Baby-Friendly practice participation and breastfeeding success.
Keywords: Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative; breastfeeding; breastfeeding experience; breastfeeding promotion; qualitative methods; social ecological model.