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Related Concept Videos

Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...
Biodiversity and Human Values01:24

Biodiversity and Human Values

Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather patterns and therefore human civilizations.
Keystone Species01:39

Keystone Species

Measures of species biodiversity, such as richness (i.e., the number of species present) and evenness (i.e., their relative abundance), describe an ecological community’s structure. Many factors affect community structure, including abiotic factors (e.g., sunlight and nutrients), disturbances (e.g., fire or flood), species interactions (e.g., predation or competition), and chance events (e.g., foreign species invasion). Certain species—such as keystone species—also play a pivotal role in the...
Naturalistic Observations02:30

Naturalistic Observations

If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
What is Natural Selection?01:32

What is Natural Selection?

Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.The Theory of Natural...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration
14:44

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Published on: June 7, 2024

Bringing nature to the fore.

Suzanne Colson1

  • 1Canterbury Christ Church University.

The Practising Midwife
|December 6, 2008
PubMed
Summary

This article reviews the history of the nature-nurture debate in breastfeeding education, highlighting how environmental factors overshadowed innate abilities. It proposes integrating innate biological factors into professional breastfeeding support competencies.

Area of Science:

  • Human Lactation
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Biology

Background:

  • The historical understanding of breastfeeding acquisition has predominantly focused on the 'nurture' aspect, emphasizing learned behaviors and environmental influences.
  • This perspective has led to a diminished focus on the potential 'nature' or innate biological contributions to a mother's ability to breastfeed.
  • A balanced view is needed to fully understand and support the complexities of breastfeeding initiation and establishment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical overview of the nature-nurture debate concerning how mothers learn to breastfeed.
  • To analyze the dominance of the 'nurture' perspective in understanding breastfeeding ontogeny.
  • To propose professional breastfeeding competencies that integrate the 'nature' perspective into early support.

More Related Videos

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
05:33

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature

Published on: June 19, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration
14:44

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Published on: June 7, 2024

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
05:33

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature

Published on: June 19, 2019

Main Methods:

  • Historical literature review of the nature-nurture debate in relation to breastfeeding.
  • Analysis of the evolution of breastfeeding support models.
  • Development of proposed professional competencies for breastfeeding support.

Main Results:

  • The 'nurture' perspective has historically dominated the understanding of breastfeeding acquisition.
  • There is a need to re-evaluate and integrate the 'nature' perspective into breastfeeding education and support.
  • Initial proposals for professional breastfeeding competencies incorporating innate factors are presented.

Conclusions:

  • Reintegrating the 'nature' perspective into breastfeeding support can lead to more holistic and effective care.
  • Proposed competencies aim to bridge the gap between learned behaviors and innate abilities in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Further discussion and peer review are encouraged to refine these competencies for optimal infant and maternal outcomes.