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Abstract
Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for infants, yet initiation rates vary widely by race, with Black women historically having the lowest rates nationally. In Oregon, however, Black women enrolled in WIC show unusually high initiation rates. This study used a phenomenological approach to explore the breastfeeding experiences of ten Black WIC mothers in Oregon who breastfed for at least one month. Three major themes supported successful initiation: strong maternal self‑efficacy, the value placed on mother‑child bonding, and belief in breastfeeding’s benefits. Additional factors—including immigration background, parity, and individualized motivations—also influenced experiences. Findings suggest that tailored, mother‑centered support addressing personal motivations may be more effective than uniform interventions when aiming to increase breastfeeding among Black women.