Cultural beliefs and breastfeeding duration of Thai working women

Abstract

Breastfeeding's crucial role in infant health is universally recognised and yet there are a number of influences on the duration of breastfeeding. This quantitative study undertaken in Thailand explored whether personal beliefs and values influenced Thai working women's duration of breastfeeding. Ninety-nine Thai working mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire to explore the relationship between their cultural beliefs and their breastfeeding practices. Although the majority of the women undertook techniques based on their cultural beliefs, which they believed would encourage breastfeeding practice, the findings demonstrate that the women's cultural beliefs had no significant effect on the duration of their breastfeeding.