Blog
Breastfeeding found a major source of support when the U.S. Surgeon General released the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding in January of 2011. But mom’s most important cheerleaders may be right inside her own home. Family members, significant others, and friends have a major influence on new moms. And they play a very important role in helping moms who want to breastfeed. In fact, the degree to which they support or discourage moms can be crucial to its success.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), three-quarters of new moms start out nursing, even if they don’t quite make it to the recommended six-month mark. And these moms should be supported for their efforts. Sadly, many don’t ever get that support. The focus of support is typically on moms and the benefits of nursing their little ones. Or, it revolves around doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants providing medical support on technique. To cast an even wider support net, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee issued a campaign in August last year called “Everyone Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier: 20 Actions in 20 Days." The committee’s executive summary stated:
The success rate among mothers who want to breast-feed can be greatly improved through active support from their families, friends, communities, clinicians, health care leaders, employers and policymakers. Given the importance of breast-feeding for the health and well-being of mothers and children, it is critical that we take action across the country to support breast-feeding.
Many family members and friends (dads included) may want to be supportive but just not know how. Whether it’s attending a class with a mom-to-be or simply learning not to gawk at a mother who chooses to nurse her baby in public, it will help. Here are a few other ways family and friends can show their support: There’s also the issue of well-meaning relatives. Grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends who formula-fed their babies may try to push their way onto new moms . But moms who breastfeed want their family and friends to support their decision, regardless of how they fed their own children. It can be really frustrating, especially at the beginning. And it can take a lot of work. If you’re not getting the support you need, you may need to seek help. Talk with family and friends who have had success. Ask them which resources worked for them and which ones didn’t. This might mean asking for recommendations on a certain class, hospital, or even technique.
The latest Breastfeeding Report Card distributed by the CDC shows progress is being made. Breastfeeding rates continue to rise. And the small percentage of women feeding their babies only breast milk at six months—as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics—rose from 13 to 16 percent. Yet, it’s clear there are still a lot of moms who aren’t getting the support they need.