Barriers to breastfeeding in male dominated society

Abstract

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World 
Health Organization and many others recommend breastfeeding for at least a year. Despite this 
recommendation, the Center for Disease Control (2011a) estimates that only 23.8% of infants are still 
breastfed until age 1 in the United States. The benefits of breastfeeding are well documented, yet, a 
December 7, 2011 headline reads, “Breast Milk or Formula: Why All the Drama?” Breastfeeding is a 
controversial issue, especially public breastfeeding. There have been several news stories over the last 
ten years about women asked to leave public places when breastfeeding. This review will address the 
attitudes and beliefs that create barriers to breastfeeding.