Breastfeeding on demand : Negotiating between contradictory ideals

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to examine four women’s experiences of and attitudes towards breastfeeding. In order to achieve this end, the four women were interviewed individually. Breastfeeding is a controversial subject, which is also mirrored by the women and the different advice and recommendation that they meet. Consequently, each woman has to take a stand for what she thinks is suitable regarding her individual situation. Moreover, breastfeeding is embedded in complex historical, political and cultural systems. This becomes obvious in the contemporary principle of breastfeeding on demand, according to which breastfeeding is adapted to the child’s needs. Thus, a majority of the interviewees have difficulties with combining breastfeeding on demand with ideas of gender equality. Due to breastfeeding on demand, the women must also breastfeed in public. In those situations, the women are keen on breastfeeding as discretely as possible.