Breastfeeding is a special process for the mother and the baby. The initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding are influenced by many physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. One of these factors is breastfeeding in public places. Breastfeeding in public places has become an increasingly important topic and has been subjected to a wide range of coverage in the media. This is a systematic review of the results of studies involving the views and attitudes of people toward breastfeeding in public. Sixteen studies that provided the study criteria were taken into consideration. The studies on breastfeeding in public were made between 1999-2019. They were designed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The sample groups were composed of the general society, university students, pregnant women, mothers, business managers, and employees, with comments in forums. In the studies investigated, the public stated that mothers have the right to breastfeed (37%-50%) and need a special area for breastfeeding (37%-97%). In addition to this view, there were some individuals who did not support mothers because of the embarrassment of breastfeeding in public. While 33%48% of employees supported breastfeeding at the mothers’ workplaces such as shopping centers and restaurants, some of the employees opted to direct mothers to a special area for breastfeeding or to give up breastfeeding. While university students supported a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, the proportion of supporters increased when a private environment was provided. Mothers generally show a positive attitude. Mothers who showed negative attitudes and stated that they were not comfortable had breastfed in public before and felt vulnerable and uncomfortable in this process. Studies involving the views and attitudes of society and mothers are limited. As opinions and attitudes are collected from the community, there is a need for more extensive research on this subject. The nurses should play a new role in providing awareness-raising training and support programs, taking part in the media, and creating special areas for breastfeeding.
Cite this article as: Kaya Z, Yılmaz B,Satılmış İ.G. Views and Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding in Public Places.Journal of Health Science and Profession 2019; 6(3): 595-609.