Hi Heather
For an answer to this question, I suggest that you look outside the west and
beyond the 21st Century.  Infant feeding is socially learned.  Think about
how young girls see mothers feeding.  Think about the toys they are given
and what infant feeding practices they rehearse at play.  Have a look at
what happens in traditional cultures and look at the work of Rima Apple,
Virginia Thorley and Jaqueline Wolf.  They are historians who have each
examined the histories of infant feeding in America and Australia.  There
you will find a very lucid account of a change in feeding culture driven by
economic and social change (industrial revolution) and the concommitant
changes in social values and practices.  
Cheers
Nina Berry
Australia 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Heather Young
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 8:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: cultural differences and breastfeeding

My name is Heather Young.  I am an Ivy Tech nursing student from
Indianapolis, IN.  I have researched a few articles to find if there are any
real cultural differences when it comes to breastfeeding.  In general, I
have found that caucasian mothers are least likely to initiate breastfeeding
in comparison to African American, Japanese, Indian and other minority
women.  This is suprising to me since as a whole, caucasians have the
greatest access to education regarding breastfeeding and its advantages.  
     I question then, how can this be the case?  What makes these minority
cultures such advocates for breastfeeding?  Are there certain cultural
differences regarding breastfeeding that I should be aware of as I enter the
nursing field?  I know that when women of certain cultures are postpartum,
they have certain hot/cold preferences.  Do different cultures have specific
views, practices when it comes to breastfeeding? 
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Heather Young, SNITCC
 
References:
Kelly,Y., Watt, R. and Naxroo, J.   Racial / Etnic Differences in
Breastfeeding,  
Initiation and Continuation in the United Kingdom and Comparison With
Findings in the United States. Pediatrics. (November 2006). Vol. 118. No. 5.

pp. e1428-e1435. 
www.blink.org.uk/pdescription.asp?key=740&grp=5

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