Background: Preliminary research in upstate NY shows new mothers are worried about safety while breastfeeding (BF). We sought to determine the frequency of BF safety/privacy concerns and explore their association with BF outcomes. Mothers were surveyed immediately and 1-month postpartum about breastfeeding goals and privacy/safety concerns.
Results: 279 women enrolled. Almost all women felt safe breastfeeding at home, though 25% reported privacy concerns and 5% felt ‘vulnerable or unsafe’ while BF. Non-BF mothers expressed more safety concerns outside home/at work. Only 54% who reported feeling vulnerable/unsafe with BF initiated breastfeeding, compared with 86% not reporting this concern (p=0.008). Fewer women initiating BF reported vulnerability/safety or privacy concerns.
Conclusion: Many BF women reported safety/privacy concerns, especially outside the home and at work, which may influence BF initiation. Further study may lead to methods to address these issues potentially increasing BF rates.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1: Discuss the safety concerns around breastfeeding expressed by an inner-city population
Objective 2: Discuss the relative impacts of these concerns on breastfeeding initiation
Objective 3: Understand the potential variability of these concerns by sociodemographic variables
To Continue, Please Select Your Country of Residence
Whoops! Please select your Country before clicking "Submit"
The GOLD Learning Lecture Library is a unique & convenient resource for Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Students and other Educators looking to stay up to date on the latest evidence-based skills and practices. Country Category pricing has been determined by World Bank Economic Indicators. Proof of residency may be requested. Learn more about our Category Pricing Here.
