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Background <p>The population of African migrant women in the United States (U.S.) is steadily increasing, yet limited research exists on their breastfeeding experiences, support systems, and sources of breastfeeding information. Migration often results in the loss of culturally embedded support networks that are vital to breastfeeding practices. Additionally, the information available in the U.S. may lack cultural sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to explore breastfeeding practices of African migrant women in the U.S and assess how information sources and support networks impact breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.</p> Methods <p>Thirty African migrant mothers from seven African countries, residing in thirteen U.S. states, participated in qualitative interviews between May and August 2024. Using an inductive coding approach, three authors analyzed the data, compared interpretations, and reached consensus to identify key themes.</p> Results <p>Fifty-seven (57%) of the mothers in this study breastfed exclusively for six months and 50% reported breastfeeding durations of 12 months or more. Longer breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding exclusivity among African migrant women are facilitated by cultural traditions, awareness of breastfeeding benefits, and the availability of supportive relationships and environments. However, participants also reported significant barriers, including limited practical support (such as help with childcare and household responsibilities), unfavorable return-to-work policies, long working hours, not knowing how to properly use breast pumps and difficulties navigating the healthcare system as impacting their breastfeeding practices. Mothers recommended the need to provide engaging education before and after childbirth, support for navigating resources, spouse involvement, emotional and practical assistance, and unique suggestions such as family visas to strengthen postpartum breastfeeding support.</p> Conclusions <p>Insights from this study will aid health professionals in providing culturally sensitive communications and targeted interventions to better support the breastfeeding goals of African migrant mothers in the U.S. Making healthcare supports and information available in an engaging, easy to digest format, so the information is easy to follow, remains an area for improving health communication with African Migrant women.</p>

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The role of support on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration among African migrant mothers in the United States

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月8日

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  • Tabitha Addy,
  • Laura Nabors,
  • Keith King,
  • Rebecca Vidourek,
  • Danielle Pierre Hixon,
  • Olutosin Sanyaolu

摘要

Background

The population of African migrant women in the United States (U.S.) is steadily increasing, yet limited research exists on their breastfeeding experiences, support systems, and sources of breastfeeding information. Migration often results in the loss of culturally embedded support networks that are vital to breastfeeding practices. Additionally, the information available in the U.S. may lack cultural sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to explore breastfeeding practices of African migrant women in the U.S and assess how information sources and support networks impact breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.

Methods

Thirty African migrant mothers from seven African countries, residing in thirteen U.S. states, participated in qualitative interviews between May and August 2024. Using an inductive coding approach, three authors analyzed the data, compared interpretations, and reached consensus to identify key themes.

Results

Fifty-seven (57%) of the mothers in this study breastfed exclusively for six months and 50% reported breastfeeding durations of 12 months or more. Longer breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding exclusivity among African migrant women are facilitated by cultural traditions, awareness of breastfeeding benefits, and the availability of supportive relationships and environments. However, participants also reported significant barriers, including limited practical support (such as help with childcare and household responsibilities), unfavorable return-to-work policies, long working hours, not knowing how to properly use breast pumps and difficulties navigating the healthcare system as impacting their breastfeeding practices. Mothers recommended the need to provide engaging education before and after childbirth, support for navigating resources, spouse involvement, emotional and practical assistance, and unique suggestions such as family visas to strengthen postpartum breastfeeding support.

Conclusions

Insights from this study will aid health professionals in providing culturally sensitive communications and targeted interventions to better support the breastfeeding goals of African migrant mothers in the U.S. Making healthcare supports and information available in an engaging, easy to digest format, so the information is easy to follow, remains an area for improving health communication with African Migrant women.