One great website that explains breastfeeding and how babies get milk out of the breast is explained here on this website. Yes there are images of breastfeeding, yes I believe they are trying to sell bras designed for breastfeeding moms. You can read more here… https://www.bravadodesigns.com/us/blogs/breastfeeding-info/121624711-breastfeeding-how-your-baby-gets-the-milk-out-of-your-breast
In other parts of the world it is completely natural to breastfeed. Here in America, you are discharged from the hospital with formula. The support a woman receives is very important to her ability to successfully breastfeed. In America there is a lot going against breastfeeding. The access to formula is easy, bottle feeding is the choice of Americans. As you can see in the chart below babies are supplemented with formula. But the chart above shows that breastfeeding is supported in many different ways in Norway. In Norway, see the chart below that I created in comparison to Norway’s support ‘VS’ USA…
Norway
Women can breastfeed anywhere, busses, parks, cafes, stores.
Women get the support on breastfeeding they need before they leave the hospital.
Working women get 2 hours off a day to breastfeed. It is not uncommon to breastfeed at your desk.
Norwegian mothers are expected to breastfeed.
USA
Women are supported to bottle feed and are given formula in the hospital.
Breastfeeding at work in not supported. Pumping is, there are select companies that support pumping with rooms. Most American women find other places to pump, most commonly the bathroom, but more recently their vehicles, because pumps are equipped with batteries that can be charged in vehicles.
Info from: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/21/world/norway-leads-industrial-nations-back-to-breast-feeding.html
Percentage of Breastfed Children Who Were Supplemented with Infant Formula, by Birth Year, National Immunization Survey, United Statesa,b,c
aFormula supplementation rates through 2008 births are based on the National Immunization Survey’s landline sampling frame. Starting with 2009 births, rates are based on a dual-frame sample that includes respondents surveyed on landline or cellular telephones. See survey methods for details on study design and the impact of adding a sample of cellular telephone respondents to the National Immunization Survey starting in 2011.
bFormula supplementation is defined as supplementation of breast milk with formula (with or without other supplementary liquids or solids) among infants breastfed at the age specified (2 days, 3 months, or 6 months). Data from the U.S. territories are excluded from the national estimates to be consistent with the analytical methods for the establishment of Healthy People 2020 targets on breastfeeding.
The chart above was found at this site…
Paola
Hello Jenn
I enjoyed reading your post, I also agree with you in the importance of breastfeeding. Its proven the benefits of breastfeeding with brain development and over all healthy relationship with mother and babies, as well as a healthy mother physically and mentally.
Deirdrehj
Hi Jen,
Your post in support of breastfeeding is awesome and could convince anyone who was skeptical about breastfeeding to give it a try. Who could deny wanting to give their child the best. As you mentioned, you are free from worry in regards to what you are feeding your child; no additives or preservatives or fillers. Just 100% natural. I love it. I actually work at a hospital and am glad to say that over the last few years they are advocating much more than in the past for mothers to breast feed. Prior to discharge all mothers meet with a lactation specialist to help them get their babies to latch on to the breast. We no longer automatically give formula to the mothers upon discharge unless they specifically request it. I agree that we are behind the curve when it come to breastfeeding in comparison to other countries but I believe we are making progress.
Sharday Summers
Great post and you provided good evidence. I also support breastfeeding, I breastfed my daughter and I think that also made our bond stronger because despite the fact that the hospital also made sure we did skin to skin contact, they also encouraged breastfeeding. It was a healthier decision for both of us. Breastfeeding has many positive impacts. Thanks for sharing.