Table 2.
Maternal attitudes towards breastfeeding (n = 322)
| Disagree† | Agree† | Don't know | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (%) | (%) | (%) | |
| I do not like breastfeeding. | 78.7 | 17.1 | 4.1 |
| Breast milk is less expensive than infant formula. | 23.7 | 68.0 | 8.2 |
| Breastfeeding can allow mother's weight to return to normal earlier than formula feeding. | 12.3 | 65.2 | 22.5 |
| Breastfeeding will make mothers' breasts sag. | 30.0 | 53.6 | 16.4 |
| Formula feeding is more convenient than breastfeeding. | 42.0 | 53.6 | 4.4 |
| Formula feeding is a better choice if the mother works or studies outside home. | 9.1 | 88.0 | 2.8 |
| Mothers who formula-feed miss one of the great joys of motherhood. | 22.5 | 66.1 | 11.4 |
| I would feel embarrassed if someone saw me breastfeeding. | 45.7 | 51.7 | 2.5 |
| I will not breastfeed in public. | 31.6 | 65.2 | 3.2 |
| Formula feeding is a symbol of wealth. | 90.0 | 3.1 | 6.9 |
| Breastfeeding is old fashioned. | 96.6 | 0.9 | 2.5 |
| I do not think I know enough about breastfeeding. | 39.3 | 54.7 | 6.0 |
| If husband/partner objects to breastfeeding, I will give up. | 77.4 | 16.3 | 6.3 |
| Infant formula advertisements have influenced my feeding decision. | 78.3 | 17.0 | 4.7 |
| Some traditional Chinese food can help to improve milk production. | 5.3 | 85.2 | 9.4 |
| Five classifications of foods (cold, sharp, hot, poisonous, windy) should be avoided during lactation because these foods have a negative effect on the nursing baby. | 7.2 | 86.5 | 6.3 |
| Public facilities (e.g. restaurants, shopping centre, public toilets) in Ireland are more supportive for breastfeeding practices than those in China. | 8.1 | 82.2 | 9.7 |
| There is more promotion and education on breastfeeding in Ireland than in China. | 26.5 | 48.6 | 24.9 |
| Living in Ireland is a barrier for Chinese women to breastfeed. | 51.4 | 35.5 | 13.1 |
†Disagree = Strongly disagree/Tend to disagree; Agree = Strongly agree/Tend to agree.