Racial Inequities in Breastfeeding Counseling Among Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis

Abstract

We examined how breastfeeding advice in the context of cannabis use differed by race and ethnicity. Data from the 2017-2018 PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) survey were used to assess differences in breastfeeding guidance related to cannabis use among 1,213 individuals who self-reported cannabis use 3 months before or during pregnancy. A multivariable logistic regression model was specified to examine the extent to which the odds of receiving prenatal advice against breastfeeding if using cannabis differed by self-reported race and ethnicity. We found that non-Hispanic Black people were four times more likely than non-Hispanic White people to be advised against breastfeeding if using cannabis (adjusted odds ratio 4.1, 95% CI 2.1-8.2). Pregnant non-Hispanic Black people were disproportionately advised not to breastfeed if using cannabis.