Insufficient milk supply among black and white breast‐feeding mothers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ethnicity is associated with insufficient milk supply (IMS) among breast-feeding mothers. A major reason reported by mothers for early termination or introduction of formula and/or solids is insufficient milk. A retrospective survey was conducted among 42 black and 148 white breast-feeding mothers participating in the WIC program in a midwestern state. The results suggested that: (1) the incidence of IMS was similar for black and white mothers; (2) controlling for education, black mothers initiated breast-feeding later and stopped sooner; IMS mothers fed less frequently and for shorter periods; and (3) controlling for education, there were no ethnic differences in the determinants or indicators of IMS.

Breastfeeding Advice Given to African American and White Women by Physicians and WIC Counselors

“…Mothers will most likely make a choice that they feel is best for their infants, and concerns about the poor nutritional state of the mother or not having enough milk are often stated as reasons for bottlefeeding. [45][46][47] Mothers may selectively recall being advised to feed their infants with the method that they ultimately chose, thus introducing recall bias. Providers in this study were also asked about the prenatal care they provided to these women.…”

Breastfeeding Duration among Low Income Women

“…Low income women are at risk for short breastfeeding duration. Many low income mothers prematurely wean between birth and 2 months after delivery (32,33). Social class (lower income), inadequate milk supply, maternal fatigue, and painful nipples have frequently been found to influence the decision to cease breastfeeding (33–36).…”

“…Many low income mothers prematurely wean between birth and 2 months after delivery (32,33). Social class (lower income), inadequate milk supply, maternal fatigue, and painful nipples have frequently been found to influence the decision to cease breastfeeding (33–36). The link between milk supply, fatigue, and shortened duration, is also supported by a study of low income women (37) that correlated the inability to relax with a lack of support and found that fatigue affected milk ejection reflex.…”

Maternal Reported Indicators and Causes of Insufficient Milk Supply

“…[14][15][16][17] It is a common barrier to breastfeeding across countries, socioeconomic levels, and generations. 17,22 However, the limited research that does use objective measures indicates that only about 5% of mothers experience true physical barriers to sufficient milk production. 17,22 However, the limited research that does use objective measures indicates that only about 5% of mothers experience true physical barriers to sufficient milk production.…”