Attitudes towards infant feeding among adults in a low socioeconomic community: what social support is there for breastfeeding?

Date

2001

Authors

McIntyre, E.
Hiller, J.
Turnbull, D.

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Journal article

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Breastfeeding Review, 2001; 9(1):13-24

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Ellen McIntyre; Janet E Hillier; Deborah Turnbull

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Abstract

An analysis of the role of social support in influencing breastfeeding in a low socioeconomic area in South Australia was undertaken by examining infant feeding attitudes and experiences of mothers, fathers and grandmothers as well as the general community. A random telephone survey of over 3,400 adults (including a more extensive survey of 373 mothers, fathers and grandmothers in the sample) in this area indicated that there was little support for breastfeeding compared to bottle-feeding with similar barriers to breastfeeding found in all target groups as well as the general community. These included breastfeeding in public, the convenience of bottle-feeding, maternal discomfort of breastfeeding, the support required for breastfeeding, fathers' involvement with feeding, and a mother's previous experience of breastfeeding. Strategies promoting and supporting breastfeeding should address these issues and should be directed at the community in general rather than specific groups within the community.

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Copyright © 2001 Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia

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