While some mothers may choose not to breastfeed for personal reasons that deserve respect, the majority of mothers enter motherhood with the intention to breastfeed. Unfortunately, many find it challenging to achieve their breastfeeding goals. A study from 2012 in Pediatrics revealed that 85% of mothers plan to exclusively breastfeed for at least three months. However, the CDC’s 2014 Breastfeeding Report Card indicated that while 79% of mothers breastfeed at some point, only 40% are breastfeeding exclusively by three months, and this drops to a mere 18% by six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, raising the question: Why do so many moms struggle to meet these goals?
Are their bodies failing them? Are their babies unable to latch correctly? Is the biological process of breastfeeding flawed? Having experienced breastfeeding challenges myself and as a lactation consultant who has guided countless mothers, I’ve concluded that, in most cases, the failures lie not with the mothers or their babies, but rather with the support system that surrounds them.
It is important to acknowledge that in some rare cases, biological issues may hinder breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t always proceed smoothly; some mothers may struggle with milk supply, while anatomical issues like tongue ties can complicate latching. However, solutions often exist for these challenges. For instance, mothers who cannot produce enough milk can often combine breastfeeding with supplementation to ensure their babies receive adequate nutrition.
Despite these options, many mothers remain unaware of available resources, lack the financial means to access quality care, or find that such care is not adequately covered by insurance. Furthermore, the demands of daily life can prevent new moms from dedicating the necessary time to resolve breastfeeding issues. Often, when they leave the hospital, they find the breastfeeding experience at home significantly differs from their initial support.
Normal breastfeeding difficulties typically require patience and time to resolve, which can be hard to come by for new mothers who are also juggling household responsibilities and the care of other children. Unlike in many other countries, where mothers receive community support and extended maternity leave, the current system in the U.S. often sets mothers up for failure.
So, to any new mother who feels she has “failed” at breastfeeding, I want to emphasize: You did not fail. You tried your best. You sought to nourish your baby and create a strong bond, and you have nothing to feel guilty about. Unfortunately, the support you needed was likely insufficient.
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In conclusion, breastfeeding can be a complicated journey influenced by various factors, many of which are beyond a mother’s control. The existing system often fails to provide the necessary support, leaving mothers feeling inadequate. Remember, you are not alone, and your efforts are valid.
Keyphrase: breastfeeding support system
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