Factors Affecting Breast Feeding — A Comparison of Two British Military Hospitals

The current infant feeding practices of mothers who were delivered in two military hospitals, in England and West Germany were reviewed. The expected social class differences were found, but even among the lower social classes more mothers than previously reported were breast feeding their babies for at least six weeks post partum. Comparison of the mothers delivering in England with those in Germany gives some support to the view that antenatal influences were more important than postnatal education in determining if a mother would successfully breast feed. Parity, mode of delivery and length of stay in hospital had no effect on feeding. Maternal smoking was correlated with failure to maintain breast feeding, and as this association was found in all socioeconomic groups, it is suggested that smoking may have a direct effect on breast feeding.