CULTURAL TARGETING OF BREASTFEEDING DISCOURSE FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

Abstract

This dissertation explores cultural factors that may influence African American women's breastfeeding choices and experiences as well as how those developing breastfeeding discourse for African American women target this audience. Drawing on the concept of Afrocentrism as well as Krista Ratcliffe's theory of rhetorical listening, this study examines a governmental guide to breastfeeding published in 2006 entitled An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for African Americans, laying this discourse beside stories shared via interviews with African American mothers, most of whom breastfed. This analysis suggests a number of areas for future study as well as suggestions for those who seek to engage in ethical cross-cultural breastfeeding communication with African American women.