BREAST-FEEDING PRACTICES, ATTITUDES, AND BELIEFS AMONG HISPANIC WOMENAND MEN IN A BORDER COMMUNITY

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.