Breast Feeding Practices: Some Implications of Regional Variations

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Abstract
Stimulated by conflicting assertions on the topic of breast feeding, the author has analyzed pertinent data collected by mail questionnaire. Eighty-five per cent of the 1500 mothers sampled returned completed questionnaires. Approximately 30% breast fed their infants one week postpartum. Of the various maternal factors analyzed for their association with fluctuations in the incidence of breast feeding, geographic location of the maternal residence proved most significant: the incidence in New England was 16%; in the Mountain and Pacific states, 44%. Differences in socio-economic-educational status and in maternal parity also were reflected in significant contrasts in incidence. The attrition rate of breast feeding was high, its "half life" being two months. It is concluded that a complex of cultural factors is primary in influencing the choice of feeding technique. Doubts are raised as to both the efficacy and the value of rituals advocated to increase the incidence or duration of breast feeding. Certain implications attached to a mother''s decision "to nurse or not to nurse" need to be revised.

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