Introduction: This study explored issues related to initiating and sustaining breastfeeding in African Americans.  African American women start breastfeeding less often than Caucasians (61% vs. 76%), and continue breastfeeding at lower rates (29% vs. 43% at 6 months) (CDC, 2007).  Since breastfeeding has health benefits, a lower breastfeeding rate is a health disparity for African American infants, who already have higher infant mortality rates.  Methods: This study was guided by Leiniger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality (Leininger & McFarland, 2006). Purposive sampling was used to recruit African American women who were now breastfeeding or had breastfed within the past year. Three focus groups were conducted (n=15).  A semi-structured question guide was used, discussion was audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and field notes were used as context for analysis. Saturation was achieved by the third group.  Each group was analyzed separately using the questions as categories; all data were combined to examine themes across groups and categories.  Both researchers analyzed the data and came to agreement. Results: Categories included reasons to start and stop breastfeeding, advice that was helpful/not helpful, and unique cultural aspects of breastfeeding.  Themes were perceived lack of information about benefits and management of breastfeeding, difficulties breastfeeding in public, and lack of a support system for continued breastfeeding. Discussion: Participants wanted to breastfeed, but didn’t receive adequate information to continue. They wanted support groups of other African American women to share information and resources. Nurses must provide information early in pregnancy about the benefits of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management techniques in a supportive group educational Setting. If nursing interventions were developed to encourage African American women to choose to initiate and continue breastfeeding, African American infants would experience the health benefits of breast milk.