Perspectives of Common Breastfeeding Situations: A Known Group Comparison

Abstract

Infant feeding choice is influenced by social and cultural factors, as reflected in sociodemographic correlates of breastfeeding, which show consistently low breastfeeding rates among women from lowincome populations. This study examines attitudes and beliefs that are thought to affect feeding choice and breastfeeding behavior among diverse social and cultural groups. A breastfeeding behavior questionnaire asking women to respond to a variety of breastfeeding situations presented as narratives was administered to members of a La Leche League group and to a group of WIC participants. Results support the idea that different social groups of women display divergent attitudes toward and perceptions of breastfeeding. Although small sample size prohibits generalization of results, the findings reinforce the necessity of designing breastfeeding education programs within specific cultural contexts.