• August 21, 2025

Breastfeeding Among Latina Mothers in the U.S.: Progress, Challenges, and Practical Solutions

Breastfeeding Among Latina Mothers in the U.S.:  Progress, Challenges, and Practical Solutions

The lack of health insurance, language barriers, and the absence of culturally adapted services limit many Latina women’s access to the support and follow-up needed to maintain breastfeeding during the first six months.

Adding to this situation are restrictive immigration policies and the fear of deportation, which lead many mothers—especially those who are undocumented—to avoid seeking postpartum medical care, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families.

Although the vast majority of Latina mothers living in the United States (85.9%) initiate breastfeeding, only 26.6% are able to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and 59.2% continue breastfeeding alongside other foods, according to the most recent official statistics available (2022).

Statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the 3,667,758 births recorded in the United States in 2022 show that:

·         85.7% of babies were breastfed at least once.

·         62.1% were still receiving some breast milk at six months.

·         40.8% continued breastfeeding at 12 months.

·         Only 27.9% achieved exclusive breastfeeding for six months, well below the national Healthy People 2030 target of 42.4%.

“Starting breastfeeding is a major achievement, but maintaining it requires a support ecosystem and practical tools that relieve physical discomfort, provide comfort, and strengthen the mother’s emotional well-being,” explains Lizeth Cuara, CEO of Misty Phases.

Cuara highlights three key allies for breastfeeding mothers:

Specialized Nursing Bras – Made with soft, breathable, elastic materials and free of underwires, they prevent irritation, blocked ducts, and mastitis. They adapt to changes in breast size and reduce strain on the back and shoulders.

Warm Compresses – Stimulate milk flow, activate the let-down reflex before nursing or pumping, relieve blockages, and reduce tension from engorgement.

Cold Compresses – Reduce inflammation and pain from mastitis or engorgement after feeding and soothe cracked or sensitive nipples through their analgesic effect.

“Too many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than intended due to pain and discomfort, worsened by the lack of continuity in postpartum care,” says Cuara. “Using thermal compresses and specialized nursing bras is a simple, accessible, and highly effective solution to help women meet the breastfeeding durations recommended by health experts.”

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