Listen to what Moms are Saying

Moms want options and they want to be informed in order to make the choices that are right for them.  Those are just some of the conclusions of a survey, done by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research in partnership with Public Opinion Strategies,which found that the majority of moms in the U.S. understand that breastfeeding is best, in theory, but it might not be best for their reality.  Importantly, they want to know all their options so that they can decide what's actually best for their lives and families.  Some of the key findings:

• 75% of mothers want access to information on all infant feeding options, including breastfeeding and formula so that they can make an informed choice.
• 83% of moms decide how they're going to feed their baby before getting to the hospital delivery room.
• The most common barriers to breastfeeding include an inability to produce enough milk, the need to return to work, and problems associated with breastfeeding such as sore or cracked nipples, engorged breasts, infections etc.
• When asked what our government could do to increase breastfeeding rates, mothers recommended support after leaving the hospital, including guaranteed paid leave and longer maternity leaves, increased assistance from healthcare professionals, breastfeeding support in the workplace, and access to a breast pump.

The results are hardly surprising.  What's surprising is that our society doesn't listen to what moms want when it could beneift everyone to do so.  Moms want to know their options in order to make informed choices. They don't want to be judged for the choices they make.  They want flexibility and sometimes the option of using formula helps provide that. They want support outside the hospital.   It's time we listened to the voices of those who actually have to make the choices.