ANECDOTAL FEEDBACK

During the sessions, the participants share the following experiences:

•  An announcement to breastfeed was looked down upon by older African American matriarchs.

•  Bleeding slowed down when nursing with daughter when compared to her experience with her son who was delayed in latching.

•  Cultural norms in Kenya is to breastfeed without question.

•  We have an obligation to teach our sons, nephews, etc.

•  Family support and opinions -- Mom does not encourage breastfeeding and believes that breast milk is not enough food.

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ANECDOTAL FEEDBACK (CONTINUED)

•  Recommendation has now increased to 2 years.

•  Breastfed for 2 days, but gave up due to soreness in breast.

•  The hospital promoted breastfeeding which helped with experience.

•  You can ask the Leche League will come to the hospital after your delivery. Stop nursing for 24 hours and pump. Latching wrong

•  Felt like she missed out. She only breastfed for 2 months and didn't have enough education.

•  Presby Plano - breastfeeding classes during stay, but not prior to delivery.

•  Would have liked more education after delivery.

•  Premature, high functioning autistic. Baby was immediately rushed to NICU

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ANECDOTAL FEEDBACK (CONTINUED)

•  Tried to breastfeeding, but immediately went into post partum and wasn't eating so she couldn't produce.  Would have loved the opportunity to breastfeed during postpartum.

•  Once she stopped breastfeeding, it was difficult to find a substitute (soy, etc.)

•  La Leche League was a great resource and support. The group was led by ladies in their 50s.

•  Pediatrician advised her to stop breastfeeding at 5 months, because it was not enough food.

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ANECDOTAL FEEDBACK (CONTINUED)

•  If you breastfeed then dad can't feed the baby.

•  Myth: You need to eat certain foods in order to breastfeed.

•  Exposed to different flavors due to what you eat -less picky eaters

•  The hospital may not be the best resource. Hospital staff was advising mom to feed baby an 8 oz. bottle when her stomach was the size of her fist. You're at risk at getting wrong information if you are not educated before hand to have discernment on advice being given.

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DISCUSSION 1: BARRIERS/CHALLENGES/BELIEFS

Objective: Develop a list of factors that influences breastfeeding in African-American families

Areas of focus: § Family and Friends § Workplace § Community § Physical/Health § Hospitals/Healthcare Providers

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DISCUSSION 1: WORKPLACE FEEDBACK •  Private rooms

•  Storage options

•  Scheduling conflicts

•  Lactation breaks should be part of their policy

•  Lactation consultant for employees

•  Limited maternity leaves

•  Child care onsite

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DISCUSSION 1: COMMUNITY FEEDBACK •  Billboards

•  Breastfeeding commercials

•  Media stories

•  Community Centers

•  Health fairs

•  WIC office

•  Word of mouth -- more people are doing it and talking about it

•  Somehow we lost the importance of breastfeeding between slavery and freedom

•  Midwife vs. hospitals --- sign of status is to go to the hospital

•  Women's liberation was when the shift started

•  Social graces carried over -- do it in private and not boobs on the table

•  Cultural belief of public nursing

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DISCUSSION 1: PHYSICAL/HEALTH FEEDBACK •  Engorgement

•  Pain

•  Knots

•  Not being familiar with your first child

•  Nipple inversion

•  Cist in breast

•  Postpartum

•  Chronic disease that requires medication get passed to baby

•  Loss of shape of breast

•  Uncomfortable

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DISCUSSION 1: PHYSICAL/HEALTH FEEDBACK (CONTINUED) •  Once baby finishes you won't be able to be stimulated by companion

•  Lose nipple sensitivity

•  The sensation of suckling

•  Chapped nipples

•  Passing gas

•  Avoiding dairy -- Milk does not need milk; you need water

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DISCUSSION 1: HOSPITAL/HEALTHCARE FEEDBACK •  Experience varies by region  -- assigned a lactation consultant •  Lack of knowledge •  Gives Similac product •  Lack of resources - no awareness •  Not just regionally, location makes a big difference -- Frisco Baylor nurses are trained

on breastfeeding

•  Training on an individual level •  Having a midwife can be a good advocate between the mom and the hospital staff  to

reduce anxiety •  Midwifery is not discussed enough in order to know options •  Sales representatives push products

•  Clinical staff are not malicious they are misinformed

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DISCUSSION 2: ADDRESSING IDENTIFIED ISSUES

Objective: Develop a list of ideas for addressing the identified barriers, challenges and beliefs identified. How do we… • Change social norms • Educate • Encourage • Make it easier •  Increase awareness

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DISCUSSION 2: CHANGE SOCIAL NORMS •  Social media

•  Celebrities help create social norms

•  Breastfeeding walk

•  Needs to promote National Breastfeeding Month

•  Getting spouses and fathers engaged

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DISCUSSION 2: EDUCATE •  Health classes in 6th grade  -- incorporate breastfeeding in curriculum

•  HR required to take breastfeeding courses

•  Breastfeeding education within the hospital -- 2nd addendum to lamas classes

•  Cosmetic surgery - let patients know that they will not be able to breastfeeding

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DISCUSSION 2: ENCOURAGE •  Outline the benefits of breastfeeding

•  Gifts to mom  - Breastfeeding related (not formula)

•  Family support classes at the hospital -- rest, less stress, fruits and vegetables

•  Educate on expectations

•  Religious conferences geared toward women -- seminar on breastfeeding

•  Awareness materials

•  OBGYN

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DISCUSSION 2: MAKE IT EASIER •  Home visits

•  Plant education seeds in young men

•  Openly talk about breastfeeding

•  Talk to girls when they go to their check-ups about changes to their body

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DISCUSSION 2: INCREASE AWARENESS •  National organizations that have chapter - health committees •  Planned Parenthood •  Mammograms -- reduce risk of breast cancer and pass information to younger

generation

•  Promote breast pump •  HBCU •  Women's small groups •  Mentor young moms

•  Being informed before •  Information at fertility clinics •  Educating parents so that they can manage expectations

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DISCUSSION 2: INCREASE AWARENESS (CONTINUED) •  YMCA , malls, breastfeeding forums, group homes, outreach to at risk youth, etc.

•  Reach out to women in different income brackets

•  Go straight to apartment complexes and target communities

•  Mass advertise breastfeeding media campaigns

•  Partner with organizations like La Leche League and build their capacity to reach more people

•  Least expected places: Bathroom stalls, drive thrus, black hair supply stores, everyday places

•  Unexpected places: Sprouts, holistic outlets,

•  Title I schools

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