How to Support Breastfeeding

Despite the many benefits of breastfeeding, the rate of mothers who choose to breastfeed has fallen since the introduction of infant formula. The need for education and awareness has never been greater, and many breastfeeding mothers are wondering how they can help. Being a breastfeeding advocate doesn't mean becoming an extremist. You can do your part to raise awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding in a few small ways each day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access

1. Nurse your babies in public. The public is inundated with images of bottles and formula, yet breastfeeding mothers are often shamed into feeding their babies at home, in their vehicles, and even in public restrooms. Whether you choose to do it discreetly or brazenly, exposing the public to breastfeeding helps establish it once again as a natural, normal practice.

2. Boycott formula manufacturers who violate the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes (see Resources below for more information).

3. Participate in breastfeeding activism on a local level. Go to scheduled nurse-ins and demonstrations and consider joining your local La Leche League.

4. Become a naptime activist. ProMom.org has a "3 minute Activist" program that allows you to quickly add your name and e-mail address to breastfeeding advocacy e-mails that praise or criticize the media for its portrayals of breastfeeding.

5. Familiarize yourself with national and local laws that protect breastfeeding mothers as well as breastfeeding guidelines and statistics at the La Leche League Web site (see Resources below). If you know the rights granted to nursing mothers, you can report instances of illegal discrimination.

6. Support breastfeeding legislative efforts in your national, state and local governments. You can stay on top of breastfeeding-related bills and efforts at nursing activism blogs (see Resources below).

7. Refrain from criticizing bottle-feeding mothers. Comments about their choice to feed their babies formula will only make them feel persecuted and resentful. Many women who formula feed do so because of problems with breastfeeding, and feel guilty about their inability to continue. Instead, provide pregnant acquaintances and struggling moms with information about breastfeeding resources that can help.

Resources

• Get breastfeeding information including statistics, laws, and support from LaLecheLeague.org.
• Stay on top of breastfeeding-related news around the world by reading the blog Breastfeeding123.com.
• ProMom.org provides opportunities to support breastfeeding that take just a few minutes of your time.

[longhairqueen]

on 10/25/2008 Nothing much to say except you got it-breast is best, but totally not always easy to do.