Hi,

This is such an interesting thread. I was born just a few months before Nursing Mothers were - me Dec 1963, NMAA (now ABA) Feb 64.
Neither me or my siblings were breastfed. I could have used those extra IQ points too!
History lessson: Post war breastfeeding was in decline as it became common to birth in hospital with routines that were mother/baby/breastfeeding unfriendly. 4 hourly routines and routine separation of mothers and babies is a killer for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding was at it's lowest ebb in 1971 with only 20% of babies *ever breastfed*. Throughout the 70's and 80's breastfeeding increased slowly. So it's no wonder that most of us were not breastfed and not breastfed for very long.
Sadly for me, there are still days when I feel we are fighting the same battles our mothers faced - and not necessarily winning. Many hospitals don't have "Baby Friendly" status, and persist with information that effectively torpedoes breastfeeding. Mothers and babies are still often separated at birth and given formula comps. Many mothers don't access the fabulous services available- especially provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, and many don't realise it's normal to breastfeed for 2 years or more. Early problems are common - but nearly always can be overcome, usually fairly easily. Joining ABA and attending their classes and meetings is the best insurance anyway could have for a successful breastfeeding experience.
Me - I was going to breastfeed "if I could" for 6 mnths, if possible. for way more than a decade