It takes two to breastfeed. The baby's role in successful breastfeeding

This article describes the influence of the baby on the process and duration of breastfeeding. A qualitative study of the experience of breastfeeding provided rich, contextual descriptions of breastfeeding in the lives of five families before and after the birth of their first babies. Knowledge, skill, and support of family and friends influenced breastfeeding duration, but only in the presence of baby satisfaction. The characteristics associated with baby satisfaction were competent sucking, "easiness," and stamina. Based on these findings, it appears that, to be successful, "it takes two to breastfeed." Breastfeeding education should include much more information on the contribution of the baby to the process of breastfeeding. Health care providers should be skilled in both infant breastfeeding assessment and interventions to facilitate successful breastfeeding.