Abstract

PIP: This study deals with the feeding methods of 584 primiparous mothers who had their 1st babies between 1st January 1965- 1st July 1968. 240 (41%) breastfed their children for at least 4 weeks of the neonatal period and 344 (59%) bottlefed. Duration of breastfeeding ranged from 43 (18%) babies who were fed 4 weeks, 141 (60%) for 5 weeks-3 months, 36 (15%) for 3-6 months, and 20 (8%) for over 6 months. Only 33.5% breastfed beyond the neonatal period. 168 (37%) of the 450 mothers from England breastfed while 72 (53.7%) of the 134 foreign mothers breastfed. 122 (40%) of the 306 boys were breastfed while 118 (42%) of the 278 girls were breastfed. Maternal age of breastfeeding mothers ranged from below 20 years (17 of 69 mothers or 24.6%) to 29 years (190 of 437 mothers of 43.4%) and 30-39 years of age (31 of 73 mothers or 42.4%). Younger mothers tend to bottlefeed more than the mature and more secure mothers. The premature and low birth weight baby is less likely to be breastfed than the full-term one. A complicated delivery seems to decrease the chances of a child being breastfed. Finally, social class of the mothers seems to be a pronounced factor in breastfeeding. Of the total mothers analyzed, 26% in Class V (unskilled workers) breastfed while 43% in Class III (skilled workers) and 72-100% in Classes II and I (professional workers) breastfed. In the 20 women who breastfed over 6 months, 13 belonged to the professional class and the rest were engaged in skilled work.