Attitudes of teenagers in Liverpool to breast feeding.

To explore the attitudes of teenagers to breast feeding in Liverpool, where only 30-35% of babies are breast fed, a questionnaire survey of 400 pupils aged 14 and 15 was carried out. Only 70 (18%) had been breast fed. Three quarters of the pupils thought breast feeding was healthier than bottle feeding and that it was natural, but 32 (8%) thought that it was rude. Most pupils said that breast feeding should be discussed in class. More open discussion might reduce embarrassment and also help prepare for parenthood.