Many mothers need more than just being told that breast is best, they need proper support to overcome some of the obstacles commonly encountered when trying to breastfeed their newborns, says U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin. The Surgeon General offers steps for families, employers and doctors in a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding”.

Dr. Benjamin said:

“Many barriers exist for mothers who want to breastfeed. They shouldn’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re a clinician, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breastfeed.”

“Of course, the decision to breastfeed is a personal one. No mother should be made to feel guilty if she cannot or chooses not to breastfeed.”

Over three-quarters of babies in America start off with breast milk, but only 13% are breastfed exclusively during their first six months of life, says the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Rates are especially low among African-American mothers.

The following obstacles have been quoted by mothers who try to breastfeed:

  • Lack of support from members of their household
  • Lack of experienced family members who can offer support and advice
  • Lack of information and support from their doctors
  • Lack of privacy
  • Not enough time
  • Expressing milk at the workplace is awkward
  • Cannot connect with other breastfeeding mothers in their neighborhoods

Dr. Benjamin explains that the following would contribute significantly to raising breastfeeding rates in America:

  • Peer-counseling and mother-to-mother support need to be expanded in communities
  • Maternity care practices need to educate and provide counseling on breastfeeding.
  • Doctors who care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants need to be properly trained, and to make sure they are trained. This includes encouraging mothers to breastfeed, and helping them succeed (often, there is more to successful breastfeeding than simply offering the breast to the baby)
  • Employers should provide effective and helpful lactation support programs. The mother should receive paid maternity leave. Where possible, the mother should have access to her child so he/she can be fed during work-time.
  • Family support and encouragement for the mother is crucial, and families should provide this. Mother and child need support to prepare for breastfeeding, and then all the way through until the child is weaned.

“Call to Action” explains that breastfed babies are significantly better protected from illnesses and infection compared to babies who are not. Rates of pneumonia, ear infections and diarrhea are considerably lower among babies who are fed their mother’s milk. The baby is less likely to develop asthma or obesity.

Rates of breast and ovarian cancers are lower among mothers who have breastfed.

If 90% of American babies had only their mothers’ milk during their first six months of life, the country would save $13 billion in health care and other costs, according to an article published in Pediatrics in 2010. Dr. Benjamin said:

“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeeding. With this ‘Call to Action,’ I am urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.”

“The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” (PDF)

Source: The Surgeon General’s web site

Written by Christian Nordqvist