Provider-patient relationships are critical in ensuring patients are active participants in maintaining their own health. In order to help cultivate strong patient relationships built on trust, providers can create welcoming, affirming, and culturally sensitive environments for women of color.
Providers can further support African American women who want to breastfeed by considering the specific needs and challenges they face in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding.
By introducing breastfeeding and discussing the benefits of breastfeeding early on during pregnancy, providers can help ensure women have the opportunity to prepare for breastfeeding and are equipped with the information and resources to be successful.