Why women don't breastfeed: a national survey.

Breastfeeding is a behaviour that is influenced by many complex factors and confounders. Various social and psychological factors may thus be missed in studies of the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding. The prevalence of breastfeeding is extremely high in the rich Scandinavian countries where the mothers are given paid maternity leave for at least one year. Conclusion: National and international women's organizations could improve the conditions for breastfeeding by pressing for a prolongation of the period of maternity leave worldwide.