The basis for the decline in breastfeeding in rural American females has not been carefully studied. The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes regarding breastfeeding among women delivering at a community hospital in the Delta region of Mississippi. Specifically the study was designed to determine: 1) the prevalence of new mothers initiating breastfeeding; 2) the proportion of women receiving prenatal education regarding breastfeeding; 3) socio-demographic factors influencing the initiation of breastfeeding; and 4) attitudes and practices of new mothers regarding breastfeeding.

420 new mothers (80% AA and 70% of all deliveries during that interval) were enrolled over a 6 mo period. All women were interviewed while in the hospital using open ended questions. 25% of women initiated breastfeeding (20% AA; 45% C). 98% planned to breastfeed for 1-6 months. Chief reasons for deciding to try breastfeeding included that breastfeeding was“healthier” (80%), more “natural” (5%) or good for“bonding” (5%). Among women electing not to try breastfeeding 50% had “no reasons”, 20% “hated” the idea, 20%“lacked time” due to school or work, and 8% were afraid or“embarrassed”. 73% of mothers had been encouraged to breastfeed by a health care provider with non physician providers being the main source for this encouragement (83% vs 17% M.D.'s). For both C and AA women the most significant predictor of breastfeeding was a breastfeeding friend or relative.

Rates of breastfeeding among women in the Mississippi Delta are low especially among AA women. More effective education regarding breastfeeding should be directed toward not only the mother to be, but to include friends, spouses (or boyfriends) and other close relatives.