Breast is best but bottle is next: Mothers’ perception of the portrayals of breastfeeding in the media

Date

2010-12

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Abstract

The ideology that breastfeeding is a recommended form of nutrition for babies has become widely popular in the United States. However, some social norms like the baring of the breasts make it difficult for the mother to feel comfortable in her nursing practices. The media are often argued to be an influencing factor in public perceptions, and this study considers the media as well as interpersonal sources as influential factors in a woman’s choice to breastfeed. The importance of this study lies in the need to hear from the mothers and their experiences. Concepts and ideas from social cognitive theory, and two-step flow theory were applied in the discussions and findings. This study included eleven face-to-face interviews of women with children and women who are pregnant. This qualitative approach was designed so individual women’s voices could be heard.

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Keywords

Breastfeeding, Mothers, Motherhood, Infants, Media, Mass communication, Social Cognitive Theory, Two-step flow, Interpersonal communication, Health, Health campaigns

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