Exclusive breastfeeding in African American women: A concept analysis

Abstract Aim To report an analysis of the concept of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in African American women. Background EBF is the gold standard for infant nutrition from birth until 6 months. The rate of EBF in United States is low—26%, with African American women having the lowest rates. The low rates of EBF in this population are strongly attributed to bias, racism and generational trauma. Therefore, clarifying the concept of EBF with respect to these factors is important for promoting EBF rates of this population. Design Concept analysis. Data sources Search was conducted in four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus) for articles published between 2001 and 2021. A total of 30 articles (20 quantitative, seven qualitative and three mixed methods) clarified the concept. Relevant literature emanated from diverse disciplines examining historical and present maternal and infant health. Methods Concept analysis using Rodger's evolutionary method. Results An operational definition of the concept of EBF in African American women was developed from the identified antecedents (modifiable and non‐modifiable), defining attributes and consequences of the concept. Access to breastfeeding resources, maternal (prenatal intention to breastfeed, smoking status, attitude towards breastfeeding), infant (skin‐to‐skin care, successful latching and weight) and contextual factors (socioeconomic, occupational and cultural) predict EBF. The primary attributes of EBF were physiological, physical, psychological and relational. Consequences of EBF were positive health outcomes for, and increased bonding between, mother and infant. Conclusion This concept analysis is the first identifying modifiable and non‐modifiable antecedents of EBF. The analysis provides an operational definition for EBF in African American women which is useful to promote understanding of breastfeeding. This new concept examines the historic societal trauma associated with wet nursing and reframes breastfeeding as a positive maternal and infant health behaviour.