Date of Award
5-2013
Document Type
Independent Study
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is the recommended form of infant nutrition. However, breastfeeding rates in the United States (US) are below recommended goals. Rates in rural areas are even lower than in urban areas
Purpose: The purpose of this manuscript was: I) to identify potential barriers to breastfeeding in rural areas, 2) to review what is currently known about breastfeeding interventions that promote successful breastfeeding in rural areas, and 3) to identify interventions that have the potential to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in rural areas of the US
Conclusion: Numerous interventions to promote and support breastfeeding have been shown to be effective in urban areas. Rural adaptations of such interventions may be unique. Very little research has been conducted on interventions to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates specifically in rural areas of the United States. A call for more research on interventions to increase breastfeeding rates among rural women in the US is necessary.
Key words: breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding barriers, breastfeeding interventions, rural
Recommended Citation
Stabo, Kristin M., "Increasing Breastfeeding Rates in Rural Areas of The United States: What do we know and What Can We Do?" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 4732.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/4732