Medical professionals' attitudes toward breastfeeding.

Abstract

This study examined the attitudes toward breastfeeding of medical professionals working with pregnant or new mothers. Most advocated breastfeeding to mothers who had not made an infant feeding decision; fewer talked about breastfeeding during the first trimester; and many recommended that mothers supplement a breastfed infant with prepared commercial baby milk. All agreed that a mother's return to work led to early discontinuance of breastfeeding and that the family is a major influence on a mother's decision to breastfeed. To increase the prevalence of breastfeeding, the study group recommended prenatal education, participation in support groups, and promotion of breastfeeding through the media.