Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Ballentine, Hope

Committee Member/Reader

Patton, Susan

Abstract

The benefits of breastfeeding have been thoroughly studied and researched, with the majority of healthcare providers, health organizations and policies, and professionals in health all recommending the practice. Breastfeeding has protective factors for the newborn against infection and mortality. Other benefits for breastfed children include reduced risk of obesity, asthma, and ear infections; enhanced chance of having a higher income; and a stronger immune system that can follow them throughout adulthood (World Health Organization [WHO] 2020). For mothers who breastfeed, there is a reduced risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2020) Breastfeeding is also proven to help with bonding with their baby. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the United States (US) still has the lowest rates of breastfeeding and large disparities for a developed country. The goal of this literature review with comparison study is to determine the disparities of breastfeeding between different maternal races, examine the benefits of breastfeeding for minority women, and provide recommended interventions to aid further implementation of breastfeeding across all races. This paper addresses the most concerning disparities and proposes several interventions to reconcile the disparities.

Keywords

racial; ethnic; disparities; and breastfeeding.

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