“Don’t Feel Like You Have to Do This All on Your Own”: Exploring Perceived Partner Support of Breastfeeding Among Black Women in Kentucky

Abstract

Background: Few researchers have explored partner breastfeeding support among Black women, who report low breastfeeding rates compared to women of other cultural groups. Ways to encourage partner support of Black women’s breastfeeding can be understood from an Afrocentric perspective. Research Aim: To explore perceptions of partner support among Black mothers to develop a culturally relevant framework of partner breastfeeding support. Methods: Secondary data analyses of qualitative data from a larger prospective, cross-sectional mixed methods study were utilized. Participants from Kentucky ( N = 14), aged 23–71, who breastfed for at least 6 months, were recruited to participate in individual interviews. Professionally transcribed interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Results: By integrating the Breastfeeding Coparenting Framework and Optimal Conceptual Theory, we identified four culturally affirming partner support themes that participants believed impacted their breastfeeding experiences: (a) doing research, (b) offering care, (c) verbalizing praise, and (d) achieving teamwork, and three culturally incongruent partner support barrier themes: (e) withdrawing commitment, (f) politicking bodies, and (g) stripping agency. Conclusion: Participants who breastfed for at least 6 months largely attributed their breastfeeding success to the support received from their partners. Our findings offer a culturally relevant framework of partner breastfeeding support that can facilitate intervention efforts with participants and their partners to increase breastfeeding rates among this population.