While most people are aware that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed an infant, the US Centers for Disease Control found that the very institutions charged with promoting health are actually discouraging breastfeeding through outdated medical policy and common practice.
Practices such as giving out formula samples, limiting breastfeeding duration, and separating mother and infant, were commonplace at the majority of hospitals surveyed. While formula samples may seem innocuous, researchers have found that the "free gifts" reduce rates of breastfeeding and appear as an endorsement of formula. Other practices, such as bathing an infant and giving shots before allowing mother and infant to bond and breastfeeding to be initiated, also contribute to breastfeeding failure. 25% of hospitals surveyed even gave unnecessary formula supplements to healthy, full-term babies. Formula supplements can reduce a woman’s milk supply and lead to weaning.
While the results of the CDC’s investigation are disappointing, you can still have a successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby if you’re armed with the right info and stand up for your right to breastfeed.
If you are pregnant and planning on breastfeeding, here are five easy strategies to counteract medical misinformation and discouragement.
1. Get Your Facts Straight
In my article, Top 10 Breastfeeding Myths, I talked about how misinformation can lead to premature weaning. Read up on breastfeeding from science-based, reliable sources like, Kellymom.com and La Leche League. Avoid books that promote outdated, inaccurate or unsupportive information about breastfeeding.
2. Get The Inside Scoop
Find out if your doctor is supportive of breastfeeding. These are some clues that he/she is NOT supportive. Read up on breastfeeding and then quiz your doctor about their support for breastfeeding and their beliefs about proper initiation. Ask your doctor when he believes supplementation is necessary. Additionally, take a tour of your desired hospital or birthing center and ask them about their support for breastfeeding and their breastfeeding policies. Ask if they give formula samples. Are the nurses also lactation consultants? Do they encourage rooming in?
3. Get A Big Mouth
Most women will encounter some form of discouragement, bad advice or lack of support when it comes to breastfeeding. Don’t be afraid to talk back and stand up for your choice. Without being rude you can question information, site breastfeeding info and let it be known that you are sticking to your plan to breastfeed.
4. Get Skeptical
It’s discouraging to read that many hospitals and doctors are misinformed about breastfeeding and can do things that detract from and discourage a successful breastfeeding relationship. This is more reason than ever to question advice from any medical professional. Healthy skepticism is important when dealing with your health and the health of your infant. Any professional worth his or her salt should encourage you to get a second opinion. And if you’re armed with solid scientific information about breastfeeding, it’s that much easier to make an informed decision. Remember: Doctors and Healthcare Providers are providing a SERVICE to YOU! They are not authority figures to be trusted unquestioningly. If they were, they would all give the same science-based information!
5. Get Determined
Hundreds of years ago, before the advent of formula, it was probably a lot easier to breastfeed. Most women saw their mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins breastfeed, who in turn saw their relatives breastfeed. And since formula didn’t really exist, no one was likely to discourage breastfeeding. Women gave birth in their homes with less invasive procedures and medical personnel getting in the way. These days, I’ll be honest, it can be a lot more challenging. Many women will be the first in their family to breastfeed, and family members who formula-fed can be less than supportive. While many will breastfeed easily and without struggle, for a lot of women, it takes a really strong spirit of determination to get through early struggles. It can also take a spirit of sacrifice when problems arise and it can seem easier to switch to formula.
Read more about the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
pantrygirl 10.28.08 at 3:31 pm
Thank you for this article. It is very true.
I was given so many conflicting opinions from healthcare professionals.
I believe that healthcare professionals are not true advocates of breastfeeding.
tips 3 and 4 are crucial. I learned that I had to be my child’s advocate when it came to breastfeeding. That included researching medications my doctor’s tried to put me on as well as building a support network of friends and fellow breastfeeders to turn to. Doctors and Nurses did not give me that support I had expected and I believe it is due to lack of knowledge and lack of available studies regarding breastfeeding.
tara 10.29.08 at 10:14 am
It is frustrating, but hopefully since the CDC is at least acknowledging it, things will start to turn around. I was fortunate to have a very supportive doctor and midwife who never suggested supplementation once. I was still given some bad advice, though.
WYcathy 11.06.08 at 7:27 am
Don’t forget to look up your local La Leche Leauge chapter for any questions. Their website is a great resource as well!
Debra 11.10.08 at 11:15 pm
Haha, when you said “Get a big mouth,” I thought you were going to give tips on getting the baby to latch on well. That is where a breastfeeding mom’s mind goes…
But actually, you should also put emphasis on knowing on how to get a good latch, what it looks like, and what it feels like- otherwise all this great information will go down the drain if mom has cracked nipples and is in pain. Breastfeeding should be pain free. The links you provide also give great latching information.