Characteristics of exclusively breastfeeding mothers were examined. Data were collected from 299 mothers delivering at a Midwest medical center (183 inpatient and 76 postdischarge). Mothers who breastfed were more likely to be white, married, have attained a bachelor's degree or higher, and have private insurance. Support from the baby's father was most important to the mothers. Breastfeeding mothers achieved higher scores on the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (65.63 ± 6.91 of the 85), indicating more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding compared with formulafeeding (54.86 ± 6.53) and mixed-feeding (60.34 ± 7.64) mothers (P ≤ 0.001). Results suggest that demographics of breastfeeding mothers differ from those of mothers who use formulas to feed their babies.

Factors contributing to mothers’ decisions to breastfeed were explored. Data were collected from 187 mothers delivering at a Midwest medical center, who chose to exclusively breastfeed, were 34% white, 23% black, and 25% Hispanic (mean age: 29). White mothers were more likely (p<.05) to be married (89%) and have a bachelor’s degree or higher (80%) as compared to black (23%, 27%) and Hispanic (52%, 15%) mothers. Mother’s reported the importance (4 pt scale) placed on the baby’s father (m=3.5), her mother (m=3.1), and her friends’ (m=2.4) breastfeeding opinions. Mothers’ scores on the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale were similar across race (scores 68, 66, 64 out of 85, with higher score indicating stronger attitudes towards breastfeeding). Mothers agreed (5 pt scale) that breastfeeding increased mother‐infant bonding (m=4.7), was ideal food for their infants (4.5), and was more easily digested (4.4). Most mothers, regardless of race, reported that their doctor (72%), their baby’s doctor (78%), and the hospital staff (90%) had favored breastfeeding and more than 70% reported staff were “very helpful” in providing breastfeeding support. Although demographic differences existed among new mothers, those who chose to breastfeed, appear to have similar positive attitudes about the importance of breastfeeding and the support they received.

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