Strangechord

I read recently, and web research backs this up, that only about 64% of American mothers breastfed their infants in 1998(!). What with all of the clear health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding (for mom and baby!) fairly well known by now, I was really surprised. I’ve been speculating as to why a woman wouldn’t breastfeed her child and beyond the rare cases where it might be harmful health-wise for the mother, I’m stumped. Are women weird about having this tiny being suckling on their nipple? Is is embarassment/inconvenience caused by nursing at odd times of day and/or in public? Is it just easier to stick a plastic bottle in the baby’s mouth? Convincing advertising from Nestle and other producers of infant formula?

Any thoughts?