Les représentations de l'alimentation du bébé

Only 53% of French women breastfeed their infants at birth; this compared with 90% of German women. A comparative study indicated numerous differences between French and German women concerning the representations they have regarding infant feeding. It was hypothesized that these representations would have a predictive effect on the rate and duration of breastfeeding. Thus, the representations of 206 women (126 French and 80 German) were analyzed using logistical and multiple regressions. The results were significant for many domains, in particular those regarding physiological advantages of breastfeeding for both mother and baby as well as those regarding erroneous beliefs about breastfeeding. The results show that these domains have a predictive effect on feeding rates at birth and three months as well as on anticipated breastfeeding duration. These results underline the necessity for providing accurate and clear information regarding breastfeeding to new mothers.