Feeding and weaning practices of Cuban and Haitian immigrant mothers.

The decline of breast feeding among immigrant mothers is of concern to transcultural nurses and other health care professionals. A descriptive survey of 30 Cuban and 30 Haitian immigrant mothers in South Florida explored their feeding and weaning beliefs and practices. Findings revealed that social, economic, and political factors in their country of origin and in South Florida affected their traditional health-culture beliefs and practices related to breast and bottle feeding and weaning, initial fluid intake, introduction of supplemental foods, and administration of vitamins, minerals, and medications. Implications for transcultural nursing care are presented.