Support for infant feeding: mothers' perceptions

This study was designed to elicit how first-time mothers felt about the amount and type of support they received from health professionals about infant feeding. The study took place in Eastern Scotland. Two hundred and ninety-seven women, of 23 years and over, expecting their first baby and experiencing a pregnancy free of complications, were included in this report. Six statements about perceived behaviour and the attitudes of different health professionals were scored on a Likert scale. In this sample new mothers perceived midwives as giving less support than doctors or health visitors, and they were seen as more likely to favour breastfeeding women. Additionally, women who were giving some or exclusive formula feeds were more likely at one month to perceive midwives in this way.