The Historical, Psychosocial, and Cultural Context of Breastfeeding in the African American Community.

Breastfeeding provides a range of benefits for the infant's growth, immunity, and development. It also has health benefits for the mother, including a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer, earlier return to prepregnancy weight, reduction of postpartum bleeding, and reduced risk of osteoporosis. There are a number of complex factors that influence the decision to initiate and continue breastfeeding, including those "external" to women, such as cultural beliefs.