Most Hospitals Do Not Fully Support Breastfeeding
A new report from the CDC says that most hospitals do not fully support breastfeeding. The report goes on to...
A new report from the CDC says that most hospitals do not fully support breastfeeding. The report goes on to show that although most babies do start out life breastfeeding in the U.S., but within the first week, already half of these babies have been given formula. By 9 months, the CDC says, just 31% of babies are breastfeeding at all. Not cool, considering the World Health Organization, among others, suggests that all infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. The WHO goes on to say that after six months, babies "Should be fed adequate and safe complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond." World Breastfeeding Week 2011. If you're an expecting mama, this is bad news indeed. It means you're unlikely to get the full amount of support you should in order to successfully initiate and continue with breastfeeding. Much of a mother's ability to breastfeed successfully depends on the mother's support system, so if hospitals slack when it comes to support, mothers and babies lose out. You don't have to be one of those mothers though. You CAN breastfeed successfully. Following are some tips:
- Giving birth at a breastfeeding friendly hospital or birthing center can increase the chance that you'll be able to breastfeed successfully and longer.
- If you're having trouble, you may want to consider a lactation consultant. A good lactation consultant can help you and your baby learn how to breastfeed like champs.
- Breastfeeding can feel odd and sometimes uncomfortable but it shouldn't feel painful. If it does you need to see your doctor.
- See some quick tips on how to breastfeed correctly.