T. Gorman et al., BREAST-FEEDING PRACTICES, ATTITUDES, AND BELIEFS AMONG HISPANIC WOMENAND MEN IN A BORDER COMMUNITY, Family & community health, 18(2), 1995, pp. 17-27
Breast-feeding practices are important on the US-Mexico border because
of the lack of potable water and inadequate sewage systems. Survey da
ta were gathered to assess the prevalence of and attitudes toward brea
st-feeding; focus groups were used to expand the understanding of thes
e data. A low level of initiation and a short duration of both exclusi
ve and partial breast-feeding were found. Potential barriers to breast
-feeding included embarrassment, lack of maternal confidence, issues o
f convenience, and partner attitudes. Recommendations are made for a b
reast-feeding promotion program specific to colonia needs.