Breastfeeding has been touted as an ideal infant feeding method that has been used for centuries. But the modern woman, especially those found in western countries more so the United States would rather they fed their children on formula milk and not breast milk. The situation is like that because of some characteristics such as ethnicity, household environment, the health of the mothers as well as socio- demographic situations. But at the same time, society has immensely contributed to that.
Today, the pressures of life are forcing women to go back to work as soon as they deliver, so they would rather pump breast milk and allow the caregivers to feed their babies (Margulis, 2013). Even when they have the time to breastfeed, many would rather use alternatives such as formula milk because of the convenience they provide (Riordan & Wambach, 2013). If a woman receives several gift bags containing formula milk, then she will not throw them away but would use on their babies. Society plays a role in determining whether women will breastfeed their children or not. Besides, most birthing facilities in area codes that have a high concentration of African American women do not offer their clients information regarding breastfeeding.
Race and their income also play a crucial role in determining whether women will breastfeed their babies or not. Demographics show that exclusive breastfeeding is prevalent among wealthy white women while women with low incomes especially those from the African American community do not breastfeed (Hausman, 2003). There is also societal influence especially from their families and closest friends. There is a high likelihood that a woman will breastfeed if members of her family or close friends do or did that themselves (Liamputtong, 2011). In this highly sexualized social setting, many African American women detest breastfeeding and instead prefer to be sexually involved with their partners even after giving birth because breasts are no longer viewed as baby feeding organs but sexual organs.
References
Hausman, B. L. (2003). Mother’s Milk: Breastfeeding Controversies in American Culture. New York: Routledge.
Margulis, J. (2013). Your Baby, Your Way: Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Parenting Decisions for a Happier, Healthier Family. New York: Scribner.
Riordan, J. & Wambach, K. (2010). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Boston: Jones & Bartlett.
Liamputtong, P. (2011). Infant Feeding Practices: A Cross- Cultural Perspective. New York: Springer.
