[Breastfeeding promotion among deprived women in Haute-Normandie]

The prevalence of breastfeeding in France is lower among deprived women than in the rest of the population. The Haute-Normandie region is severely affected by deprivation, especially among women.

To describe breastfeeding promotion in deprived women living in Haute-Normandie. Secondary objectives: to describe the prevalence of breastfeeding and identify barriers to breastfeeding in the same population.

This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in Haute-Normandie between March and June 2015, in three steps: 1) mailing questionnaires to actors working with deprived women, 2) analysis of child health certificates and 3) sociological interviews with 15 deprived women.

Only 4 of the 29 responding structures had implemented actions to promote breastfeeding among deprived women, with positive feed-back. Barely half of all deprived women had initiated breastfeeding in Haute-Normandie (Eure: 50%, Seine-Maritime: 54%). Finally, the same factors usually known to affect breastfeeding and its duration were also identified among deprived women living in Haute-Normandie.

Guidelines for actions to support breast-feeding among deprived mothers have been developed to guide local policies designed to reduce social inequalities in health in Haute-Normandie.