ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the social and cultural influences that exist within the United Kingdom that might help or hinder breastfeeding. It is generally accepted that most women, after giving birth, are physiologically able to lactate. It might be considered that breast milk will transmit important qualities to the infant. However, in the United Kingdom, the dominant discourse of breastfeeding focuses on promoting the activity by emphasising its health benefits. Research studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between breastfeeding and subsequent health in childhood. In the United Kingdom the public health message is that 'breast is best' and government guidelines support the WHO recommendation. In the United Kingdom, the medical/scientific approach to breastfeeding in policy discourse is dominant, and little attention is given to the social and cultural values that underlie a woman's reasons for breastfeeding.
