Exploring the Breastfeeding Experiences of African American Mothers Through a Critical Race Theory Lens

Data from the Ohio Department of Health for Hamilton County reveal that the rate of breastfeeding steadily increased for non-Hispanic white babies from 72% initiation in 2006 to 79.8% initiation in 2018. Over the same time period, the rate of breastfeeding initiation increased from 52% to 65.7% for African American babies. Despite positive gains in breastfeeding for the African American community, significant disparities remain. Our aim was to gain insight into the breastfeeding experiences of African American women and professionals working primarily with African American women to promote and support breastfeeding. In this study, a critical race theory approach was used to explore the lived experiences of African American women and health care providers who serve African American communities through the analysis of breakout conference sessions. Breakout sessions were semistructured, with questions developed in a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis format aimed at obtaining information related to sociocultural factors impacting breastfeeding initiation and duration, with the goal of developing actionable community objectives to address breastfeeding disparities for African American women. Three themes emerged stereotypes and microaggressions, representation, and provider support. Qualitative analysis of the conference proceedings reveals insights that can be developed into an action plan to address breastfeeding disparities in Hamilton County.