African American Mothers' Decision to Discontinue Breastfeeding and Switch to Formula.
Urmeka T Jefferson, Amy E Reed, Maureen Rabbitte
PMID 34496680WHAT IT FOUND
Most mothers intended to breastfeed, but formula felt easier, support varied, and early breastfeeding seemed enough.
Nurses can ask about latch pain, discharge resources, and social norms rather than assume lack of intent.
Key findings
0186% reported intending to breastfeed, but formula was described as easier and as allowing other household members to feed the infant.
02Mothers described sore nipples, poor latch, and pumping as painful and time-consuming reasons for stopping breastfeeding.
03Participants reported helpful hospital support from nurses and lactation consultants, but little trusted help after discharge and few African American breastfeeding role models.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This was a secondary analysis of interviews that were not designed to directly ask about personal, behavioral, or environmental factors. Only mothers who were formula feeding at interview were analysed, so it does not describe those who continued breastfeeding. The sample came from one Midwest community and was a convenience sample, so the themes may not apply elsewhere. These are mothers' perceptions and experiences, not evidence that formula feeding is equally healthy or that any intervention works. Participants were not required to have initiated breastfeeding, although most did, which limits how the group represents all formula feeding decisions.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The supplied publication types list NIH and non-U.S. government research support, but no specific funder or sponsor role is given.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the mothers' belief that formula was easier and just as healthy as evidence that formula is equivalent to breastfeeding or that early breastfeeding alone is enough. These are perceptions from a small secondary qualitative analysis, not a trial of feeding outcomes.