Kendall-Tackett K A, Sugarman M
J Hum Lact. 1995 Sep;11(3):179-83. doi: 10.1177/089033449501100316.
This study examined the social consequences for mothers of long-term breastfeeding in a non-supportive culture, and how mothers learned to cope with negative reactions and comments from others. One hundred seventy-nine women who were recruited from La Leche League area conferences nationwide from 1989 to 1991 completed a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire which asked about their breastfeeding and weaning experiences. The percentage of mothers who cited "social stigma" as a negative aspect of breastfeeding increased dramatically as the age of the child increased; 29 percent cited social stigma for breastfeeding past six months, 44 percent for breastfeeding past 12 months, and 61 percent for breastfeeding past 24 months. In spite of the social stigma, the women cited more positive aspects for breastfeeding (M = 6.18 aspects) than they did negative aspects (M = .85 aspects). The positive aspects of breastfeeding emphasized the strong emotional bond between mother and child, and the emotional benefits they both received. Mother-to-mother support, spousal support, and a woman's own sense of confidence were important buffers against the criticism of others. And while the criticism of others was likely to cause negative feelings, the mothers reported that it had very little impact on their breastfeeding behaviors.
本研究调查了在一种不支持母乳喂养的文化背景下，长期母乳喂养对母亲的社会影响，以及母亲们如何学会应对他人的负面反应和评论。1989年至1991年期间，从全国母乳会地区会议招募的179名女性完成了一份自我管理的封闭式问卷，问卷询问了她们的母乳喂养和断奶经历。随着孩子年龄的增长，将“社会耻辱感”视为母乳喂养负面因素的母亲比例急剧上升；29%的母亲认为母乳喂养超过六个月存在社会耻辱感，44%的母亲认为母乳喂养超过12个月存在社会耻辱感，61%的母亲认为母乳喂养超过24个月存在社会耻辱感。尽管存在社会耻辱感，但这些女性列举的母乳喂养积极方面（M = 6.18个方面）多于消极方面（M = 0.85个方面）。母乳喂养的积极方面强调了母婴之间强烈的情感纽带，以及她们双方获得的情感益处。母亲之间的支持、配偶的支持以及女性自身的自信心是抵御他人批评的重要缓冲因素。虽然他人的批评可能会引起负面情绪，但母亲们表示，这对她们的母乳喂养行为影响很小。
