When Breastfeeding Doesn't Work

There’s a lot of education aimed at moms to help them do the best they can for their babies. One important message from the American Academy of Pediatrics is that breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life.  And, moms are encouraged to continue for their baby’s first full year.  Now, I’ve met lots of moms for whom this is workable and they’re able to breastfeed for the first year and in many cases, even longer.  I’ve also met moms for whom this is an impossible request.
 
And, though I’ve written Your Personal Guide to Breastfeeding and encouraged and worked with countless moms to help them breastfeed, some just don’t want to.  Now, this is shocking to some of the health care professionals I know who don’t actually work with new moms, yet over the years, I’ve encountered many moms who know the benefits, have the time, have the resources and still make their own decision about what’s right for them. Who am I to judge? 
 
I’ve seen moms roll their eyes and listen to a well-meaning lactation consultant coax, cajole, encourage and push them to “just try it.”  Yet for many moms I’ve worked with in the past, this is a complete waste of time and  communicates that the woman is not being heard.  She may not want to breastfeed for any number of reasons, and frankly, it’s her decision and her business.  We can advise, provide education and resources, and just as importantly listen to that mom’s circumstances, to help provide her the support she needs to nurture her baby.

(This blog was first published in 2009)