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Although a dearth of recent literature exists on this topic, authors in the past documented an overall rise in child morbidity, which was best demonstrated by the high rates of otitis media, child respiratory diseases ( Schaefer, 1973), and gastroenteritis ( Stewart & Steckle, 1987). Over 25 years ago, Schaefer (1973) reported that, among Canadian Eskimos, the traditional 3 to 4 years of prolonged breastfeeding had been shortened or abandoned with the increasing use of bottle feeding.įurther, this decline in breastfeeding-combined with an increase in supplemental and exclusive formula feeding-was associated with a rise in various health problems among Eskimo populations. Blackwood (1981) reports that, during the 1950s, efforts were made by public health workers to replace and/or supplement breastfeeding with formula feeding, leading to a large shift toward formula feeding, especially in the first few months of life. Within many Eskimo cultures, among the first things affected by acculturation was a change in the sources of food ( Sayed, Hildes, & Schaefer, 1976). The Inupiats, like many other Native and Eskimo groups, have experienced lifestyle alterations directed away from their traditional cultural values. This change has affected all areas of life ( Blackwood, 1981). During the last 25 years, authors have documented that the Inupiat's lifestyle has changed from one of isolated subsistence to that of economic and social involvement in the prevailing American culture. The Inupiat Eskimos-a particular group of Native Americans who live in the North Slope region of Alaska, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean-seem to be experiencing a decline in the prevalence of breastfeeding. Native American women often fall into these categories ( Long et al., 1995).
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The lowest rates of breastfeeding in the United States are among young, undereducated, underprivileged, and underserved women ( Long, Funk-Archuleta, Geiger, Mozar, & Heins, 1995). Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). These rates are well below the Healthy People 2010 goal to increase breastfeeding to at least 75% of mothers who breastfeed their infants in the early postpartum period and at least 50% who continue to breastfeed until their babies are 5 to 6 months old (U.S. In 1995, approximately 60% of all newborn infants were breastfed in the hospital while only 24% were still breastfeeding at 6 months of age ( Quandt, 1998).
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In spite of this, breastfeeding rates in the United States still fall short of public health goals. Simply put, human breast milk is the most desirably complete diet for the infant during the first 6 months of life ( AAP, 1997). Breastfeeding also increases the quantity and quality of early physical contact between a mother and her infant, which strengthens the attachment between them ( Janke, 1993). Its nutritional components vary, based upon the infant's needs, gestational age, and stage of lactation ( AAP, 1997). Breast milk offers increased protection from respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, otitis media, meningitis, sepsis, and allergies ( American Association of Pediatrics, 1997). Data also indicated a downward trend in the percentage of mothers between the ages of 26 and 39 who initiate breastfeeding however, among the mothers aged 18 to 25, data reflected a rising trend.īreastfeeding provides valuable immunologic, nutritional, and psychological advantages for infants. Results revealed that, in this sample and over the past 20 years, a substantial decline has occurred in the percentage of Inupiat infants exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months or longer. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing 95% confidence intervals. Prevalence was also measured by categorizing the children of these women into three age groups and further classifying them as to how they were fed when they were infants. Data collected from these women on their choice of infant-feeding method contributed to measuring the prevalence of breastfeeding. A convenience sample of 36 women making up three age cohorts was utilized (women ages 18 to 25, N=11 ages 26 to 40, N=14 ages 41 to 60, N=11). The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding in a group of Alaskan Inupiat Eskimos, who live in northern Alaska. Breastfeeding provides valuable immunologic, nutritional, and psychological advantages to infants and is the most desirably complete diet for the infant during the first 6 months of life.