What do you think is the biggest barrier to breastfeeding In Australia?

[bigbird2girls]

For me personally it was conflicting advise after birth. I was told one thing then another. I basically self taught myself and read books. I was lucky though that my DD new how to do it and i had no problems. I only got mastitis once which i had no idea about either no one told me anything, it was like they thought i had already had about 4 babies and it was not my first!

I also found that not one of the midwives were trained the same way and i found that the older midwives obviously did not go to regular updates in training to be in line with the now times, it was always back in the old days etc etc. The new young midwives were trained well though and were helpful no negative advice was given from any of the younger girls at all it was the older girls who gave negatives and did not support you.

HTH

Jen

[annef6722]

hi
1. conflicting advice after birth/lack of continuity of care
the nurses all had their own methods of breastfeeding - makes it too confusing. most of them seemed to query my ability to feed, and seemed surprised i'd been able to feed my first son. even though i fed him for 10months, and am now sucessfully feeding my second.
only one of about ten nurses made me feel competent about feeding my baby.
so more consistency needed among nurses, and more reassuring advice.

2. women feeling "funny" about breastfeeding - as if their breasts were designed for sexual purposes only. i don't understand this, but it is common among my friends.

thanks
anne

[Debi77]

From reading what you have all said, I think a continuity of support and education throughout the process is very important. Changing people who are the first point of access for information would make it very difficult if they are all giving conflicting information. Ideally breast feeding is clearly the best option, however, sometimes there are obsticles which cannot be avoided which hinder the process. Ultimately the most important thing is the health and welfare and the child and mother, and whilst breatfeeding should be promoted and vigourously encouraged, if it is not the most viable option, a mother should not be made to feel bad for taking the formula option, especially when it may be in the best interests of the child.

That said, I was extremely fortunate, I breast fedd my first child to six months, when I returned to full time work. I worked part time for 4 months before that, and because I work for my inlaws, I was able to bring my son to work with me and breastfeed him there. I never had a problem with breast feeding, we both took to it straight away, with no medical complications or otherwise. From the sound of others experiences, it would appear that I was in the minority, and I certainly hope that my next experience is as good as the first. (I dont want sore boobies for Christmas LOL)