Factors associated with the duration of breast feeding in a privileged society.

130 highly motivated middle class women were interviewed 1 year after delivery to investigate the factors associated with successful breast feeding. 82% breast fed for 6 months or longer and 62% did not introduce solids before 4 months. The most common reason for weaning before 6 months was an insufficient milk supply. Weaning before 6 months was closely associated with a delay of more than 2 hours in the first suckling or an instrumental delivery. Insufficient milk was associated with an absence of the 'let down' reflex. The results suggest that breast feeding for 6 months or more and the introduction of solids after at least 3 months are feasible for most British mothers and babies.