INFANT FEEDING IN THE MODERN WORLD: MEDICALIZATION AND THE MATERNAL BODY

Abstract

While infant feeding is well-studied in health literature, sociology has not examined the social context of infant feeding thoroughly. This article discusses infant feeding practices in the theoretical contexts of medicalization and feminism. Mothers completed quantitative surveys before birthing and qualitative interviews for one year following birth regarding infant feeding, family dynamics, work environment, social support, medical treatment, and body image. Data were examined for impacts of medicalization, socioeconomic status, and other factors on infant feeding behaviors. Findings support the association between socioeconomic status, medicalization, and infant feeding methods. Mothers described a classic “double-bind,” with social settings and norms working against messages from medical authorities that “breast is best.”