Breastfeeding Practices and Opinions of Latina Mothers in an Urban Pediatric Office: A Focus Group Study

Introduction: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore beliefs about breastfeeding among Latina mothers. The focus groups were part of a sequential mixed methods study. Methods: Two focus groups were conducted. Participants were Spanish-speaking mothers with infants younger than 12 months. Focus groups were conducted in Spanish and audiorecorded. The researchers performed open coding of the data, compared and converged codes, and identified common themes and relationships among the themes. Results: Mothers described concerns about adequacy of breastfeeding for their infants’ needs, the continued goodness of breast milk, and weaning. They expressed lack of knowledge about using breast pumps and other assists that could help them breastfeed. Discussion: Culturally tailored breastfeeding education and support have not been adequately implemented in this urban clinic and likely in other similar settings. More targeted attention to this population could improve exclusive breastfeeding of infants and ultimately result in better child health.