The reciprocal impact of breast-feeding and culture form on maternal behaviour and infant development

Summary A comparative study has been made of Japanese and American maternal behaviour and infant development from birth to 3 months of age, especially in relation to infant feeding practices. The effect of cultural differences on the initiation and prolongation of breast-feeding is discussed and consideration is given to factors such as alertness of the mother during the birth, post-partum procedures in hospital, family sleeping arrangements and the general style of maternal care. The possibility of a post-partum “critical” period, and its effect on infant behaviour and development, is discussed.