Cultural Support and Acceptance
Besides returning to work and participation in the WIC program, a woman’s cultural support system, including her parents, extended family and friends, has been shown to be an influential factor that affects breast feeding duration. Studies have shown that women who initiate breast feeding at birth have success based on encouragement from parents and relatives. Likewise, a lack of emotional support has been cited as a reason for early termination of breast feeding. One study found that the more breast feeding friends a woman had, the longer she will breast feed.
In addition, many studies have shown that the lack of acceptance of public breastfeeding in the U.S. plays a prominent role in a woman’s decision to breastfeed. In the U.S., a woman’s exposed breast during breastfeeding in public is often considered inappropriate and shameful. A lack of acceptance of public breastfeeding is highlighted by the banning of breastfeeding in restaurants, airplanes, shopping malls and businesses, and accusations of indecent exposure as a result of nursing. These obstacles make it difficult for even the most committed mother to breastfeed as long as recommended. Ensuring a supportive social network, and providing support for breastfeeding in public will likely prolong breastfeeding duration.