ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the significant dimensions that emerge repeatedly in social science research on lactation. A substantial portion of the newly born are immediately removed from the pool of breast-fed infants because they are bottle-fed from birth. A number of social and psychological features have been identified as factors that influence the initial decision-making process on feeding mode. Employment in wage labor is clearly not the strongest factor that accounts for declines in breast-feeding in the twentieth century. The widespread availability of infant feeding bottles and breast milk substitutes provides new opportunities for mothers to solve time management problems that were previously handled in other ways. In the past two decades considerable efforts has been expended to promote breast-feeding through health education campaigns. A primary expression of maternal fears concerning the ability to meet infant’s needs is the often reported problem of "insufficient milk".
