What gypsy mothers say about breastfeeding

Objective: To know and deepen in the evaluation, and experience of gypsy women with breastfeeding.

Method: Qualitative study with an interpretative phenomenological approach, through a focus group with the participation of six mothers of gypsy ethnicity, users of the Fuente de San Luis Health Center in the city of Valencia.

Results: The barriers described by these mothers regarding breastfeeding refer to a lack of family support, an association of breastfeeding to sacrifice and to the dependence of the baby to the breast. From the accounts of these mothers it is perceived, a disinterest in breastfeeding and a lack of confidence in their own bilogy, which together with a low participation in maternal education activities, have meant the barriers that have mostly limited and largely hindered breastfeeding in this group of mothers.

Conclusions: It would be desirable to implement improvement actions that would pay more attention to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in this group.