Suck On It! Why America Needs to be More Breastfeeding Friendly
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A variety of recent studies on the practice of breastfeeding have shown similar two-fold conclusions:
1. Breastfeeding an infant has multiple long-lasting health benefits for both mother and child,
and
2. American families do not do it enough.
According to a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 only 44 percent of infants are breastfed for the recommended minimum of six months and only 14 percent are breastfed exclusively (given no supplemental formula). In comparison with many other countries, these rates are extremely low. This is interesting not only because it is widely accepted that breastfeeding has tremendous health benefits for babies (lower rates of obesity and diabetes, better immune systems, fewer visits to the doctor’s office and lower medical costs) and mothers (lower rates of breast and ovarian cancers) but also because 77 percent of mothers initially start out by exclusively breastfeeding their infant. What causes the rates to decline so steeply in six months?
One reason explored by a recent CDC report is the idea that the American public is not comfortable with lactation and therefore does not foster environments that support the healthy practice. A huge reason that women stop breastfeeding is to go back to work after their maternity leave. If her workplace does not allow a new mother the time and safe space to express breast milk, it is probable her natural supply will decrease and supplementation will be necessary. Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require that all workplaces supply women with a space that is private and is not in a restroom in which they can pump breast milk or feed a baby. It is hoped that this marvelous policy addition will help to increase the percent of babies who are able to be breastfed through the crucial first six months of life.
Women often site stigma as another large deterrent to breastfeeding. Whether she is at a park, at a grocery store, in her place of worship or in a friend’s home, negative reactions from onlookers can cause a woman to feel ashamed and even violated.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment12 Comments
I'm a breastfeeding mom and have basically stopped caring what people think when I feed in public. I'm always covered up so I don't think people should give me the dirty looks they love to give.
August 13, 2011 - 8:45pmThis Comment
Good for you! We watch other people eat in public all day - why should babies be any different??
Thanks so much for sharing,
August 14, 2011 - 6:30amHannah
I really hope the 2014 Affordable Care Act actually goes into effect. I've been worried about where I'm going to pump when I go back to school and work. I'm sure I'll be able to find a remote spot at school but it'll be in the library, in the stacks!
August 14, 2011 - 8:54amI understand your concern, and can tell you that you will be ok!!!
August 20, 2011 - 8:47amI have been left with no choice but to pump in the BR at work. yuck! Yes, it's noncompliant, but I work at a small family business, and don't want to make enemies with everyone, so I didn't fight this battle. When I first went back, I thought there was no way I would last 6 months, but am happy to report that my son is 14 months, and I am still pumping! :) You will find the spots to make it work. Whenever I travel, I would park the car in a convenient spot, bring the cover and pump. (always bring spare batteries!)
I stopped caring what other people would think very early on. I despised the smell of the powdered formula we were supplementing our daughter with and fought my husband on at least one occasion to nurse my daughter when she needed it while we were out. I've nursed her during the picnic luncheon for my 10-year college reunion (held on campus in the middle of the day), on commuter trains on our way to New York, at the park, in the middle of meetings and even during a rehearsal for a choir I participated in last autumn. Sometimes I use a cover, sometimes I don't bother because she pushes it off anyway. I've become skilled enough that I can latch her without anybody noticing what I'm doing and I very rarely flash (if I do, it's accidental or due to a curious baby de-latching to look around at her surroundings.)
I have never once noticed a dirty look, and I don't really live in a 100% pro-breastfeeding area. However, I kind of project a "don't you DARE mess with me" vibe, and I'm too involved with my baby to notice the rest of the world.
It'll be really nice when the 2014 code goes into effect, but I think it should be a lot more explicit - like providing a non-restroom place to pump in each building if the corporate center is a multi-building campus. (I will pump in my car for the next child if our campus doesn't create a moms' room in my building because trying to find an open office with a locking door and no windows is too stressful.)
August 15, 2011 - 6:02amYou overlooked the one solution that will encourage mothers to nurse their babies for longer. Stay home! It's not just the milk that's good for babies, it's their mom's physical presence! Moms need to put the welfare of their children ahead of their careers.
August 15, 2011 - 2:45pmUnfortunately, it is not this simple. My son is 14 months and is with my Mother while I am at work. I am on the verge of tears 3 days a week leaving him. We live a very simple life, but would have no home without 2 sources of income. It has nothing to do with career, and everything to do with just surviving. You should thank God that you are able to be home with your children, instead of teaching them to pass judgement on others. Boo.
August 20, 2011 - 8:43amI agree with you - this topic is OFTEN over-simplified. I'm now a stay-home mom and I love it, but a year ago our circumstances were different and I HAD to work. It was so hard to leave my daughter every day...and moms who had what I wanted and then sat judging me did not make that easier. i think a mom should be home, but not all women think like me. and many woman want to be home with their kids and can't. I think a mom at home is best, but a mom at work isn't wrong or bad or selfish. In fact, in our case it was just the opposite. I was daily laying down what I really wanted so that my husband to finish his masters degree - which is now better for our whole family. We are a team and it is give and take.
August 30, 2011 - 7:47amGreat article! I have breastfed all 3 of my kids and it's not easy but I'm glad I did.
August 21, 2011 - 5:42pmBreast feeding is the single most important thing a Mom can do to keep her child healthy. Maybe women who love to see breastfeeding Moms should take a moment to tell them so. "What a beautiful sight! Thanks for making my day..."
August 23, 2011 - 1:44pmBy the way if you have breast feeding difficulties homeopathic remedies can really help.