If you find yourself doubting the need to breast-feed, consider the cultural influences that make you question this natural act. In the United States, the art of breastfeeding is one that often has to be taught. It does not feel like a natural practice to most American women and therefore is not done easily. This may be because for many people a woman's breast has come to symbolize sex rather than a means of nourishing a baby. Some mothers feel uncomfortable about nursing in public because of the sexual connotations of the bare breast in our society. Many American women feel that breastfeeding is uncivilized and something only done by women in developing countries. Additionally, American culture glorifies independence, even from infants, which may make some women believe that breastfeeding will limit their freedom.

As more research and information become available, many mothers are challenging these beliefs and changing common parenting practices. Women are learning to trust their innate ability to feed the baby at the breast, while their partners are learning a new respect for the mother's ability to feed and nurture the infant. Breastfeeding opens a new path in the development of their life as a family.

Breastfeeding is intertwined with a parenting style that enhances the physical bond between babies and parents. This style is called attachment parenting. When parents put aside social constraints and stay physically close through breastfeeding, wearing or holding their baby, they learn more quickly how to meet and become responsive to the infant's needs. In turn, the baby is encouraged to communicate more with the parent and develop a sense of trust at an early age.

Attachment parenting includes the following:

Despite some cultural beliefs, breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of feeding your baby. Through attachment parenting, you are truly present to your child physically and emotionally.

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