Baby feeding: the thoughts behind the statistics

To investigate attitudes towards baby feeding and to identify reasons why women stop breast feeding.

A series of six focus groups were held with thirty eight mothers with babies aged between 3 and 18 months, who had been breast and/or bottle fed.

The discussions identified a number of significant themes. Decisions on baby feeding were made before birth. Women felt under considerable pressure to breast feed and felt guilty about bottle feeding. Information available about baby feeding was generally inconsistent, unrealistic and incomplete although all women were well informed about the benefits of breast feeding. Most women found breast feeding more difficult than anticipated and needed more help with common problems. A number of difficulties were identified with bottle feeding. Those women who enjoyed breast feeding were most likely to continue. The best support for breast feeding came from other mothers and supportive partners. Ceasing breast feeding was difficult for some women.

Exploring mothers' attitudes to breast feeding highlighted the need for non judgemental attitudes to baby feeding and consistent information and support on both breast and bottle feeding. Duration of breast feeding is likely to be improved if problems can be addressed. A larger, more detailed prospective study would more accurately identify problem areas and suggest ways of solving them.