Few studies have described the woman who chooses breast-feeding by more than simple demographics. The purpose of our study was to characterize new mothers by their infant feeding decisions, by demographic and obstetrical data, and by sources of personal support they received during their pregnancies and in making their infant feeding decisions. To this end, 220 were interviewed, including 116 who chose to breastfeed. Breast-feeding women were more likely to be older, more educated, married, more affluent, experienced with breast-feeding, to have demonstrated good prenatal habits, and to have received support from other sources than those who chose bottle feeding. Participation in Lamaze classes, previous successful breast-feeding, and maternal education were significant predictors of feeding choice, and mode of delivery predicted duration of breastfeeding. Low income women who chose breastfeeding resembled low income bottle feeders in certain medical/social factors, but they showed support patterns similar to middle to upper income women.

Data from a state supported project providing multidiscipline (clinical social work, nursing, nutrition, obstetrics, and pediatrics) assistance to low-income women judged to be at high perinatal risk by medical and social history were analyzed regarding infant feeding decisions. Data from 2,124 subjects delivered from 1976 to 1985 were available for analysis. The population tended to be single (77%), black (66%), poorly educated (63% less than a high school education), and young (mean age 21.8 years). Thirty-six percent were primiparas. The decision to breastfeed was associated with white race, older maternal age, higher educational level, marriage, and earlier utilization of prenatal care.Prenatal infant feeding plans were compared with actual postpartum decisions for 1,168 women. Only 3 percent of those initially planning to bottle feed changed their minds postpartum and breastfed although 31 percent of those initially planning to nurse ultimately chose artificial feeding. Ten percent of women were initially undecided; one-third of this group ultimately breastfed, two-thirds bottle fed.