Social breastfeeding barriers

WHO and UNICEF are working together in a deccenia-log efford to promote, protect and support breastfeeding. The promotion part is doing great, too great, perhaps. Some people think that breastfeeding is promoted so strongly that mother tell they feel cornered into breastfeeding even if they choose not to. Others do start, but have to quit prematurely, feeling disappointed, sad and angry, because ‘’this breastfeeding thing just doesn’t work out’’. All kinds of problems are mentioned, like nipple trauma, breast infections and low milk supply (or even ‘’milk without nutritional value’’). But the real culprit actually is societal negativity. Well, ofcourse it is admirable that there are these brave women who dare start out, but those ‘’fanatics’’ who just go on and on with it even after a couple of months, well they wouldn’t try and hold their breaths waiting for societal support any more. Bare breasts shown in public are quite well tolerated and multi-usable, just not with a baby attached. Taking care of one’s family supplying healthy foods and lifestyles is an absolute must, but not if that involves pumping your breasts in working time. phdinparenting.com posted a very thorough article on all kinds of societal barriers that make it impossible for many western-society moms to achieve  breastfeeding for a normal biological duration. Let’s consider promotion to be a mission accomplished and start focusing on protecting and supporting.
World Health Organization, UNICEF: Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative; Revised, updated and expanded for integrated care. WHO/UNICEF 2009
http://www.phdinparenting.com/2009/09/10/societal-barriers-to-breastfeeding/