Breastfeeding care in multicultural populations

Abstract

Although the number and diversity of minority women in the United States is growing, breastfeeding rates remain low. Nurses can increase breastfeeding rates in minority populations if they are aware of and appreciate cultural differences. Following an overview of culture's effect on breastfeeding, this article focuses on practical aspects of caring for breastfeeding mothers in various cultural groups. Breastfeeding educational programs are effective when they are culturally sensitive and emerge from the culture itself.