Breastfeeding presents significant challenges for many new mothers, with research indicating that most require more assistance than they currently receive. Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits to mothers and babies, as we’ve outlined before, but many factors make breastfeeding hard. Barriers take many shapes, both physical obstacles and psychological barriers. Social and financial pressures exacerbate these barriers, largely thanks to the predatory marketing tactics employed by formula companies.
As discussed in a recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force statement in The Journal of the American Medical Association, they underscored the importance of breastfeeding to overall health. Among new moms, the report’s data shows that only 27% breastfeed exclusively at six months. This staggering statistic serves to underscore the complex barriers that so many families face. Over 90% of mothers intend to breastfeed before they deliver. Yet by the time their babies reach six months of age, less than 60% are still breastfeeding.
Mothers going back to work soon after giving birth is an important social and economic force that impacts breastfeeding trends. Taking on that financial burden can add additional anxiety. Sadly, this can impede the mother’s ability to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
With the correct support, relactation is possible. It seems likely that mothers can safely and successfully reboot breastfeeding after a break of six weeks or less. As experts make clear, there’s no substitute for healthy parents in the fight to keep babies healthy. They highlight the need to give emotional and social support at this critical moment.
In recent discussions, experts have pointed out that effective breastfeeding support should occur at multiple time points throughout the pregnancy and postpartum periods. A one-shot intervention never works. Rather, constant scaffolding provides more fruitful outcomes.
“The most important thing I tell families is that healthy parents make healthy babies.” – Shepard
These new moms should be empowered to take straightforward approaches when asking for help with nursing. This might mean asking for help from medical providers, loved ones, or neighbors. We know from our own #MaternityCareCrisis research that emotional well-being is key, especially for mothers. When breastfeeding doesn’t work out, they frequently experience grief or loss.
“Breastfeeding grief is real, and mental health practitioners with experience in the perinatal period can help.” – Demirci
Communities and social support systems are equally as important in helping ensure breastfeeding success. For example, access to postpartum doulas can make an invaluable difference, but many families can’t afford to hire them.
“Postpartum doulas can be amazing and a great investment if you can afford it or your health plan covers or offers it.” – Demirci
For those who cannot afford or access these resources, tapping into other available support networks is crucial. Supportive friends and family can make it easier to get practical help, for example through meal trains or help with household chores.
“If not, rally your village – family, friends, colleagues – to request things like meal trains or help with errands.” – Demirci
Beyond the tangible assistance, building relationships with fellow mothers offers emotional fortification that speaks volumes to these women. Digital advocacy sometimes, influencer-led movements originate within trendy online communities or social media platforms like TikTok where creators connect with young parents facing breastfeeding struggles.
“Connecting to other mothers and families on social media or online support groups specific to new parenthood or breastfeeding may also work well for you.” – Demirci
This another strategy that many of the mothers I spoke with use is pumping expressed milk before bedtime feedings. This practice makes for smoother and less hectic night-time check-in routines.
Healthy sleep patterns promote the mother’s mental health and ability to make positive decisions in an otherwise difficult time.
“See how things evolve and how you feel in a few days.” – Demirci
Some mothers are under tremendous scrutiny for their decisions to breastfeed or not. This pressure often results in uncomfortable discussions surrounding individual choices.
“I don’t want to talk about my decision not to breastfeed. It’s a hard topic for me, and I’m comfortable with my decision to move on to formula.” – Demirci
“This is my personal decision, and I prefer not to discuss it.” – Shepard
These conflicting feelings and regrets underscore the emotional weight that breastfeeding decisions carry. So many mothers contend with these burdens in relative isolation or even without social support altogether. This kind of scenario highlights the critical lack of holistic resources aimed at supporting breastfeeding mothers.
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