Comparison of Breastfeeding among White and African American Patients Delivering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Authors

Rachel Horowitz, Thomas Jefferson Department of Ob/GynFollow
Theresa Burcher, MD, Thomas Jefferson Department of Ob/GynFollow
Abigail Wolf, MD, Thomas Jefferson Department of Ob/GynFollow
Rebecca J. Mercier MD MPH, Jefferson Medical CollegeFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2-2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND

• Maternal breastfeeding has been widely accepted as the gold standard for infant nutrition during the first six months of life.¹
• Healthy People 2020 goals:

– 89.1% initiation of breastfeeding

– 60.6% breastfeeding for 6 months

– 32.4% breastfeeding for 1 year¹

• Global promotion of breastfeeding though Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

– Started by WHO and UNICEF in 1991 to assist hospitals in facilitating and promoting breastfeeding

– Provides education and skill building for all levels of staff

– Recognizes hospitals providing optimal care for infant nutrition²

• While the rates of breastfeeding have increased nationally since 1990, the rates among African American women lag behind those of White and Hispanic women. ³
• To determine if patterns at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) mirror national trends, we performed a retrospective chart review to analyze how breastfeeding rates differed between African American and White patients.
• This will provide a standard against which to measure future breastfeeding rates and trends in this patient population.

Recommended Citation

Horowitz, Rachel; Burcher, MD, Theresa; Wolf, MD, Abigail; and Mercier MD MPH, Rebecca J., "Comparison of Breastfeeding among White and African American Patients Delivering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital" (2015). CwiC-PH. Poster 44.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/ph/44