It’s important to acknowledge that some mothers choose not to breastfeed, and their reasons are valid and personal. I fully respect their decisions, as a mother’s worth is not defined by her choice to breastfeed or not. However, many mothers enter motherhood with the intention of breastfeeding, and unfortunately, a significant number do not achieve their breastfeeding goals.
A 2012 study published in Pediatrics indicated that 85% of mothers plan to breastfeed exclusively for a minimum of three months. Yet, statistics reveal that many mothers stop breastfeeding much earlier than anticipated. The 2014 Breastfeeding Report Card from the CDC shows that while 79% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 40% continue exclusively by three months, and just 18% do so by six months, despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
Understanding the Underlying Issues
So, what is the underlying issue? Are mothers’ bodies failing them? Are babies struggling to latch? Is breastfeeding inherently difficult? As a lactation consultant and a mother who faced challenges with both of my children, I can say that, in most cases, it is not the mother or the baby that fails; it is the system that fails them.
Before any misunderstandings arise, I acknowledge that there are instances where biological factors come into play. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t always go smoothly, and sometimes mothers may face challenges like insufficient milk supply or anatomical issues with their babies. However, in most cases, there are solutions available.
For mothers who struggle to produce enough milk, there are effective strategies to combine breastfeeding with supplementation to ensure their baby receives adequate nutrition. I have worked with mothers who, despite having only one functional breast or limited milk production, have successfully maintained a breastfeeding relationship. Even babies with anatomical challenges, like tongue ties or cleft palates, can breastfeed with appropriate medical interventions and expert guidance.
The Lack of Awareness and Resources
The issue lies in the lack of awareness and access to resources. Many mothers are unaware of the support available to them, and financial constraints can prevent them from seeking quality assistance. Furthermore, new mothers often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities at home, which can detract from their ability to focus on mastering breastfeeding techniques.
When breastfeeding difficulties arise, resolving these issues can take time—sometimes days or even weeks. Many mothers receive only brief consultations with lactation specialists during their hospital stay, and when they return home, they quickly realize that breastfeeding can be quite different outside of that supportive environment. They may experience engorgement, delayed milk production, or sore nipples—all common issues in the early days.
The Importance of Support
Breastfeeding is not only a natural act; it is also a learning process for both mothers and babies. The support of knowledgeable professionals and a nurturing environment is crucial for success. Unfortunately, many mothers lack this support, leading them to feel overwhelmed and, ultimately, to abandon their breastfeeding goals.
It is not surprising that many mothers give up early on. They may not know where to seek help, or they may find that such resources are out of reach financially. In other countries, mothers are afforded the time and support they need to heal and learn to breastfeed, often receiving assistance from community programs or extended maternity leave.
Our current system is inadequate, offering little support to breastfeeding mothers. It is often easier to resort to formula than to seek out the necessary help for breastfeeding.
A Message to Mothers
To any mother who feels she has “failed” at breastfeeding, I want to assure you: you did not fail. You did everything you could. You tried hard, and you wished for a different outcome. You nourished your baby to the best of your ability and created a strong bond, just like any breastfeeding mother. It is unfortunate that you did not receive the support and resources you needed.
Further Resources
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