Maternal and Infant Attributes and Antecedents of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) claim that breastfeeding rates are increasing in the United States. Surveys show that 81.1% of newborn infants started to breastfeed in 2013 (2016). Unfortunately, breastfeeding duration did not meet the recommended length and of the infants born in 2013, 51.8% were breastfeeding at 6 months and 30.7% at 12 months (CDC, 2016). Breastfeeding offers various health benefits to the mother and child, which is why the identification of antecedents and attributes to breastfeeding need to be addressed in order to impact mothers and infants. Objectives: The goal of this study is to identify the positive and negative attributes and antecedents to breastfeeding for the mother and infant for the identification of strategies and interventions to promote breastfeeding within the United States. Methods:A computer was used to search the databases CINAHL Complete, PubMed, PsychINFO, and ProQuest, yielding 9 articles for review. Theses studies contain the positive and negative attributes and antecedents of breastfeeding that will be organized in a systematic matrix. Design: An integrative literature review. Conclusion: This integrative literature review aims to develop and present a clear picture of the current evidence regarding antecedents and attributes to breastfeeding in order to properly disclose these issues. Keywords: breastfeeding, breast feeding, breast-feeding, socioeconomic, attitudes, attitude, beliefs, and belie