[Factors, which may influence breast feeding (author's transl)]

The case histories of 2197 mothers, who delivered at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Vienna in the years 1976 and 1977 were evaluated by the computer. 14 different parameters, which could have an influence on the incidence and duration of breast feeding were investigated. Our results suggest, that the incidence of breast feeding is declining with advancing years of the mother. An early reintegration into professional life after delivery has an effect on the duration of nursing. The family status and parity of the mother had no influence on the incidence and duration of breast feeding. Foreigners, as well as non-Roman Catholic mothers, who are represented mainly by guest workers from Yugoslavia and Turkey had a distinctly higher frequency of breast feeding of 74,6%, respectively 78,5% than average (67%). Also the duration of breast feeding of foreign mothers was above average. Women of higher socioeconomic classes had a higher incidence of breast feeding, as well as women, who had abortion or interruption or those using oral contraceptives. Operative delivery under narcosis and premature birth were accompanied by a significantly lower frequency of breast feeding. The rate of mastitis is at 1,4% in the group of breast feeding mothers.