title: [Role of the mother's family environment in the initiation of breastfeeding].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  World Health Organization guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the mother's personal circle and coworkers initiation of breastfeeding.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two maternity hospitals in Lyon and in the Paris area. The questionnaire described the characteristics of the couple and the newborn, and the mother's decision concerning the type of feeding. This study was approved by the ethics committees of the two maternity hospitals. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS 9.2 software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample included 249 mothers recruited during the post-partum period. A majority of women (85%) decided on the type of feeding after discussion with a member of their personal circle or coworkers. Twelve percent of women did not know the health professionals' opinion concerning breastfeeding. Compared to women who chose breast or bottle feeding, women opting for mixed feeding made their decision later during pregnancy. The family environment, especially the husband, appeared to have the greatest influence on this decision. Encouragement from other family members or coworkers was also associated with higher breastfeeding initiation rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest the need for more intensive breastfeeding promotion by health care professionals while taking into account the mother's and the family's opinions.
authors.forename: Chahinez
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Otmani
authors.forename: Gladys
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ibanez
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chastang
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hommey
authors.forename: Jean Sébastien
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Cadwallader
authors.forename: Anne Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Magnier
authors.forename: Said
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hadji
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014944:World Health Organization; D055815:Young Adult