I am Puerto Rican and can answer any questions you may have about our
culture, but I wanted to gently encourage you to NOT lump all "Hispanics"
into one group.  We are as diverse as are those who speak English - and it
is impossible to say the "hispanic" culture believes this or that.

Mexicans - of some areas - tend to believe in the "hot and cold" theories
of food and self-care.  Puerto Ricans don't do this and have no notion what
this means.

Dominicans, Venezuelans, Argentinians, Chileans, Cubans (the newly arrived
or the ones who have been in the US for years?), Colombians, Guatemalans,
Panamanians, Costa Ricans...
each have their own traditions and beliefs. 

I recommend that we start out any intervention with these moms with a
question - what are your traditions and beliefs?  Listen respectfully,
never criticize or put-down, and make little effort to correct if it does
not cause problems with the breastfeeding.  Ex: In Puerto Rico the Grandmas
had a fit if anyone sat a baby up.  They thought this would damage their
spine - so I taught the football hold in a more lying-down position and put
the baby over my knee or over my shoulder to burp.

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC, LLLL
Vacaville, CA
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