Breast-feeding: First thoughts

Abstract

Factors responsible for negative attitudes toward breast-feeding are discussed. These factors do not relate to the relative properties of bottle or breast milk, but to anxieties and conflicts women experience in relation to their breasts and sexuality. A review of factual data in the literature that can be brought to bear in the clinical management of these anxieties is presented. The impact of physician attitudes and physician intervention on breast-feeding trends is discussed.