A study investigated the attitudes of Japanese breastfeeding mothers in the South Bay area in Los Angeles. The sample consisted of 20 Japanese mothers over the age of 18 who were born in Japan, who recently came to the United States, and whose youngest child has been breastfed for at least 6 months. Subjects were interviewed in their native language. The results indicated that unrestricted breastfeeding, night nursing while co-sleeping, and long term breastfeeding were practiced. The mothers tended to choose breastfeeding as a matter of course and did not feel shy when nursing in public. They felt that breastfeeding was important for them. In addition, the study indicated some barriers that interfere with their breastfeeding practices, such as cultural and nutritional conflicts and conflicting advice from professionals. Results suggested that knowing the psycho-social obstacles to breastfeeding in the United States can facilitate breastfeeding among ethnic minorities, and that the understanding of culturally appropriate childrearing practices--such as unrestricted nursing, late weaning, and co-sleeping--may be needed among medical professionals as well as mental health professionals. (The survey questionnaire is appended. Contains approximately 110 references.) (AA)