Creating a breastfeeding culture: a comparison of breastfeeding practices in Australia and Iran

Zareai, Mitra and O'Brien, Maxine L. and Fallon, Anthony B. (2007) Creating a breastfeeding culture: a comparison of breastfeeding practices in Australia and Iran. Breastfeeding Review, 15 (2). pp. 15-20. ISSN 0729-2759

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Abstract

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants and has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and child. However, despite the well documented health benefits of breastfeeding most Australian women discontinue breastfeeding before the recommended time. This study attempts to identify variables influencing breastfeeding practices in Australia by comparing Australia with Iran, which enjoys a comparatively high breastfeeding rate. The study found a range of variables which appeared to negatively influence breastfeeding practices in Australia including: a comparatively inadequate national program for the promotion of breastfeeding, less uptake of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, more rapid return to paid work and cultural issues.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Nursing (Up to 30 Jun 2013)
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Nursing (Up to 30 Jun 2013)
Date Deposited:	08 Mar 2009 12:42
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2013 23:14
Uncontrolled Keywords:	breastfeeding initiation; breastfeeding duration; baby friendly hospital initiative; culture; working mother; breast feeding; Iran; infant: 1-23 months; newborn: birth-1 month; female
Fields of Research (2008):	11 Medical and Health Sciences > 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences > 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified 20 Language, Communication and Culture > 2002 Cultural Studies > 200205 Culture, Gender, Sexuality 11 Medical and Health Sciences > 1110 Nursing > 111006 Midwifery
Socio-Economic Objectives (2008):	C Society > 92 Health > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920507 Women's Health
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/4975

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