Race/Ethnicity-Specific Associations Between Breastfeeding Information Source and Breastfeeding Rates among U.S. Women

Abstract Objectives. To assess race/ethnicity-specific associations between breastfeeding information sources and breastfeeding initiation and duration. Methods. We used data from the 2016–2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Race/ethnicity-stratified multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate associations between information source (e.g., family/friends) and breastfeeding rates (0 weeks/none, < 10 weeks, or ≥ 10 weeks). All analyses were weighted to be nationally representative. Results. Among 5,945,018 women (weighted), 88% reported initiating breastfeeding (≥ 10 weeks = 70%). Information from family/friends (< 10 weeks: aORs = 1.58–2.14; ≥10 weeks: aORs = 1.63–2.64) and breastfeeding support groups (< 10 weeks: aORs = 1.31–1.76; ≥10 weeks: aORs = 1.42–2.77) were consistently associated with breastfeeding initiation and duration across all racial/ethnic groups; effects were consistently smaller among Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic women (vs White women). Over half of American Indian and one-quarter of Black women reported not initiating/stopping breastfeeding due to return to school/work concerns. Conclusions. Associations between breastfeeding information source and breastfeeding rates vary across race/ethnicity. Culturally tailored breastfeeding information and support from family/friends and support groups could help reduce breastfeeding disparities. Additional measures are needed to address disparities related to concerns about return to work/school.