Award Date
5-15-2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Department
Environmental and Global Health
First Committee Member
Gabriela Buccini
Second Committee Member
Amanda Morgan
Third Committee Member
Nicole DeVille
Fourth Committee Member
Kristen Herlosky
Fifth Committee Member
Jennifer Vanderlaan
Number of Pages
96
Abstract
Breastfeeding provides critical health benefits for both mothers and infants; however, breastfeeding rates in the United States remain below national targets, with persistent racial and ethnic disparities. In Nevada, fewer than 25% of infants are breastfed through six months, compared to 61.2% nationally. These disparities are influenced by multiple factors, including maternal self-efficacy and limited access to lactation support. Breastfeeding support groups are an evidence-based strategy to improve self-efficacy and access to care, yet less is known about how culturally congruent care is experienced within these settings. Guided by the Three-Dimensional Model of Cultural Congruence, this study examined factors influencing culturally congruent care within a breastfeeding support group from the perspectives of both mothers and lactation providers.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of mothers and lactation providers participating in the Vegas Milk Lounge, a free weekly support group in Las Vegas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six mothers and six lactation providers between May and August 2024. Data were analyzed using a two-stage thematic approach, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding. Lactation providers were aged 30–65 years, held at least a bachelor’s degree, and most had prior support group experience and culturally congruent care training. Mothers were aged 29–40 years old and represented diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, with most holding a bachelor’s degree.
Thematic analysis revealed that culturally congruent care was primarily shaped by trust-based, empathetic relationships, accessible, mother-centered education, and a supportive, inclusive group environment that enhanced breastfeeding self-efficacy. While cultural identity and representation were meaningful for some mothers, relational qualities, (e.g., respect, communication, and psychological safety) were more influential. Organizational and systemic barriers, including limited access to lactation services, gaps in continuity of care, and inconsistent provider knowledge, continued to impact breastfeeding experiences. These findings highlight the importance of relational, community-based, and multi-level approaches to improving culturally congruent care during breastfeeding support and reducing disparities.
Keywords
Breastfeeding; Culturally Congruent Care; Lactation; Support Group
Disciplines
Maternal and Child Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health
File Format
File Size
1545 KB
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Repository Citation
Philbert, R'asya, "Mothers and Lactation Providers’ Perceptions of Culturally Congruent Care Within a Breastfeeding Support Group in Southern Nevada: A Qualitative Study" (2026). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 5606.
https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations/5606
Rights
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