Progressive thinking or bullying when it comes to breastfeeding? You decide.

In New York, the State Health Commissioner has announced that from here on out, every pregnant mother who registers at, or  is admitted to a hospital, or just takes prenatal classes, will be given information on the number of babies who are breastfed.  It's all part of an effort to promote breastfeeding.  Basically, if you've decided not to breastfeed, or to supplement with formula, you are being labeled as a bad mother.  Do they really think that's helpful?  To either the baby or the mother?  Really.  I think it's not only unhelpful, but I would go as far as to say it's bullying.   Bombarding women at their most vulnerable moment with information that will make them feel guilty if they don't become part of the statistics, is nothing short of harmful.

Raising breastfeeding rates is a great goal.  But there are ways to do it without guilting people into it.  Perhaps, when expectant moms register at a hospital they should be asked how they're going to feed their baby.  If they answer "formula", perhaps the hospital staff could follow up with a question along the lines of, "would you like information on breastfeeding or have you already ressearched it?"  At least that way a pregnant mom isn't made to feel as if she has no choice---which she won't in New York!

In an ideal situation, a healthcare provider would provide information on all kinds of feeding choices in the name of education. I know that's asking too much.  But for the millions of women who choose not to breastfeed for one reason or another---and there are plenty of reasons out there---it would be a sign of respect to ask the question above, as opposed to badgering them about their choice.

Healthcare providers are supposed to provide care in the name of health.  Doesn't that mean all kinds of health--physical, psychological etc?

Not only that, but women deserve more credit than the New York Health Commissioner apparently gives them.  Most women I know make the decision of how to feed their child based on a number of factors--work, medical, support etc.  It's not a decision made lightly or in haste.