An integrated approach to understanding barriers and supports for breastfeeding among Indigenous women in the Gulf Coast

ABSTRACT

Increasing scholarly attention has been paid to the reproductive injustices experienced by Indigenous women. However, the breastfeeding experiences of Indigenous women have infrequently been explored. This study uses a qualitative description research approach to explore the breastfeeding experiences of Indigenous women members of a non-federally recognized tribe in the Gulf South. Key themes included: 1) Shifting generational practices; 2) Lack of institutional resources; 3) Inadequate support from healthcare providers; and 4) Institutional and community supports for breastfeeding. These findings highlight the need for increased institutional and community support, and breastfeeding education, so that Indigenous women can reach their breastfeeding goals.

KEYWORDS:

• Breastfeeding
• Indigenous women
• reproductive health
• reproductive justice

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Tulane University School of Liberal Arts [N/A]; New Orleans Center for the Gulf South at Tulane University [N/A].