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Breastfeeding in public places
E McIntyre1, D Turnbull, J E Hiller
1Department of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Summary
Restaurant and shopping center managers show mixed support for breastfeeding mothers. This variability creates uncertainty for mothers seeking to breastfeed in public spaces.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Business Management
Background:
- Breastfeeding is a critical public health practice.
- Supportive environments are essential for successful breastfeeding.
- Public spaces like restaurants and shopping centers play a role in enabling or hindering breastfeeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the attitudes and policies of restaurant and shopping center managers regarding breastfeeding in their establishments.
- To understand the extent of manager support for breastfeeding mothers in public facilities.
Main Methods:
- Telephone survey conducted with managers of 66 restaurants and 27 shopping centers.
- Inquiry into managers' responses to mothers breastfeeding within their facilities.
Main Results:
- One-third of restaurant managers and 48% of shopping center managers affirmed mothers could breastfeed anywhere.
- A significant portion of managers would discourage breastfeeding, suggest secluded areas, or were uncertain.
- Inconsistent managerial support was observed across surveyed establishments.
Conclusions:
- Variability in manager support for breastfeeding creates an uncertain environment for mothers.
- Clearer policies and training for managers are needed to foster breastfeeding-friendly public spaces.
- Addressing managerial attitudes is crucial for promoting public breastfeeding acceptance.