It takes a village: How families can support a breastfeeding mother

By, Sara Steelman, MPH



(Photo obtained from http://wicworks.nal.usda.gov/topics-z/image-gallery)

As the old proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Well, the same can be said of breastfeeding, but not in the way you might think. It may not take a “village” to actually breastfeed a baby, but it does take a “village” to support a mother’s decision to breastfeed. In fact, one of the most common reasons a woman decides not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding is a lack of family and social support. Many of my close friends and family decided to stop breastfeeding early on because of this.

Where is this lack of support coming from?  I believe it stems from our society’s acceptance of formula as the primary source of nutrition for infants. We have been a formula feeding culture for over 50 years now, and that significantly affects the way that families perceive and understand breastfeeding. From birth, we look to our mothers for advice and guidance. Many of the new parents today have mothers and grandmothers that have never breastfed, and grew up in a time where formula was thought to be as good (if not better) than breastmilk. Often times, the family support system that has little education on breastfeeding and no personal experience can adversely impact a mother’s decision to breastfeed and continue breastfeeding.

What can families do to support a breastfeeding mother?  If a family has little to no experience with breastfeeding, they can still support a breastfeeding mother in a variety of ways. First is to be informed! The family support system (mother, grandmother, spouse/partner, etc.) can attend local breastfeeding classes to gain knowledge on breastfeeding. This will allow them to assist the new mother if a problem arises. Secondly, affirm and encourage the new mother. At times breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for a new mother, so build her confidence. Studies show that breastfeeding women who are confident in their ability and committed to making it work are significantly more successful at breastfeeding (Avery et. al., 2009). Families should avoid encouraging the mother to give the baby formula to resolve breastfeeding challenges, but rather encourage her that she can do this. If challenges persist, point her to the lactation resources in the community. Thirdly, partners and family members can help a breastfeeding mother with daily tasks that might otherwise be overwhelming while nursing such as housework or helping with her other children. Lastly, for those family members who provide childcare once the mother goes back to work, encourage her to pump her milk so that the baby can still receive all the beneficial properties of breastmilk.

With emerging research confirming the benefits of breastfeeding, there has been an increase in the professional lactation support available to breastfeeding mothers, and an increase in breastfeeding education. Although mothers today are becoming more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, lack of family and social support continues to be a significant barrier to success. Let us all work together to ensure that we provide support and encouragement to our childbearing family members!

 

References:

Avery, A., Zimmermann, K, Underwood, P.W., and Magnus, J. (2009). Confident Commitment Is a Key Factor for Sustained Breastfeeding. Birth: 36 (2), 141-148. DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2009.00312.x