Abstract
Public health messages encourage new mothers to breastfeed, but breastfeeding rates in many Western regions remain low. Given high maternal intentions to breastfeed, and the significant distress they can experience if they are unable to meet their goals, why are so many women struggling to do so? This 18th series of Midwifery basics will explore the multiple complex barriers that affect infant feeding decisions, examining how, whilst most women should be able to breastfeed from a physiological perspective (evidenced by high rates in other regions of the world), complex psychological, social and cultural barriers damage breastfeeding intentions and ability in many Western regions. It will explore these barriers and their pathways to having an impact, and consider public health solutions to making a difference for future generations. This first article in the new series introduces the issue, overviews breast milk production, and starts to unpick the complexity of influences on infant feeding decisions and ability.
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