Breastfeeding by Hispanic women.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature to describe Hispanic breastfeeding beliefs, attitudes, and practices in the United States.

DATA SOURCES

Using the search terms "Hispanics" and "breastfeeding," both CINAHAL and MEDLINE (Ovid) databases were queried. Only research studies conducted in the United States from 1998 and 2008 were included in the review.

STUDY SELECTION

Fifty-five articles were located. Based on inclusion criteria, 38 research articles were included in this review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Each study was analyzed in relation to the purpose of the review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Study findings were synthesized and organized into categories: acculturation status, breastfeeding intention, factors influencing initiation, breastfeeding barriers, breastfeeding support, and breastfeeding interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfeeding initiation rates are high among Hispanics living in the United States. Newly immigrated women initiate and continue to breastfeed longer than more acculturated women. Unfortunately, exclusive breastfeeding and duration rates fall well below the desired goals of Healthy People 2010. Interventions aimed at encouraging and supporting women to maintain their cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices related to breastfeeding are needed.