Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
Breastfeeding patterns among ethnic minorities: the Generation R Study
L van Rossem1, I Vogel, E A P Steegers
1The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040 (Room Ae-003), 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.vanrossem@erasmusmc.nl
Non-native mothers in the Netherlands initiate breastfeeding more often than native Dutch mothers, but breastfeeding continuation rates are lower for ethnic minorities. Further research is needed to understand these disparities in infant feeding practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal infant feeding method.
- Identifying at-risk populations for low breastfeeding rates is crucial for public health interventions.
- Ethnic minority groups may exhibit different breastfeeding patterns compared to native populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare breastfeeding patterns between ethnic minority groups and native mothers in the Netherlands.
- To investigate the influence of generational status on breastfeeding practices.
- To identify socio-demographic determinants affecting breastfeeding continuation among diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2914 Dutch, 366 first-generation Mediterranean, 143 second-generation Mediterranean, 285 first-generation Caribbean, and 140 second-generation Caribbean mothers.
- Collected information on initiation of breastfeeding and continuation at 2 and 6 months postpartum via questionnaires.
- Employed statistical analysis to compare breastfeeding rates and identify influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Overall breastfeeding initiation was 90.6%, with the highest rate among second-generation Mediterranean mothers (98.6%) and lowest among native Dutch mothers (89.1%).
- At 6 months postpartum, breastfeeding continuation varied significantly, from 19.3% in second-generation Caribbean mothers to 42.6% in first-generation Mediterranean mothers.
- Adjusted analyses revealed higher initiation rates for non-native mothers compared to native Dutch mothers. First-generation Mediterranean mothers showed higher 6-month continuation rates (OR: 2.71), while second-generation Mediterranean and Caribbean mothers did not differ from native Dutch mothers.
Conclusions:
- Non-native mothers demonstrate higher breastfeeding initiation rates compared to native Dutch mothers.
- Despite higher initiation, ethnic minority mothers exhibit lower breastfeeding continuation rates, particularly in later postpartum stages.
- Ethnic minorities may encounter distinct challenges in sustaining breastfeeding compared to native women, necessitating targeted support strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Regression Toward the Mean
Surveys
Development of Human Microbiota
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Development of the Oral Microbiota

