Telling the world: low income women and their breastfeeding experiences

Abstract

This study describes the experiences of 17 educated, low-income, culturally diverse women (10 African-American and seven Latin) who were supported by peer counselors/breastfeeding advocates. In-depth interview data were analyzed, using constant comparative analysis. Study findings indicated that the perception of successful breastfeeding can have an empowering effect on women when support for their endeavors are gender- and culturally appropriate. Five themes emerged as primary descriptors of the experience: Making the Discovery, Seeking a Connection, Comforting Each Other, Becoming Empowered, and Telling the World. The final theme best illustrates a substantive theory derived from the data.