Breastfeeding: How is it related to food insecurity and other factors among low-income mothers?

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to (1) examine breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates, and; (2) investigate association between food insecurity and breastfeeding status, among low-income mothers. Mothers of infants two-months or younger were recruited from a local pediatric clinic serving primarily low-income families. Upon giving consent, mothers were interviewed in-person or over the phone in either English or Spanish. Of the total 92 mothers interviewed, 90% initiated breastfeeding, but only 24% were doing exclusive breastfeeding at 2 months of infant’s age. After controlling for socio-demographics, it was found that food-insecure mothers were less likely to continue with breastfeeding (β = −1.51, p = .024). Future research is warranted to understand pathways through which food insecurity affects breastfeeding and how this disparity can be prevented to ensure a safe and secure start for infants worldwide.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).