I chose conflicting advice after birth, but I'd love to say all of the above too! I was fortunate that I had done reading and research, and attended an ABA breastfeeding class, so was able to sift through the variety of advice given in hospital.. and yes.. there was a variety!!

I was able to eliminate any fears of lack of supply etc, coz I knew what to expect from my boobs. I knew about engorgment, I knew about letdown, I expected the upcoming fussy periods where he'd feed and feed and feed, I knew my boobs would lose their full feeling after a few weeks, and didn't worry about it coz it just meant they now knew what they were doing! So education is a BIG one because mums I know that have stopped breastfeeding have usually had the same reasons, thinking they have no milk, or that the baby doesn't want it because they're being fussy etc etc. Managing sore & cracked nipples is possible, but there's no real help out there.

So, second I would choose lack of education, then I would choose health professionals. Just yesterday I was told by a GP that DS is only feeding for comfort now, not for nutrition. What a load of rubbish!

I agree with the culture thing too. I know some mums formula feed, and yes that's their choice, but what upsets me is when I hear "you know, it's ok to switch to formula - it's just as good". Whilst this can be supportive of those that choose to FF, it totally undermines breastfeeding, and provides NO support for those that want to breastfeed.

THE best piece of advice I received was from the ABA breastfeeding class, and that was "only take breastfeeding advice from someone who has successfully breastfed". So I was able to basically ignore any comments on formula being ok, and only listen to those that had got through any problems. Sadly, no-one in real life around me had successfully breastfed (except SIL) longer than a few months, so majority of advice was from the lovely BB girls I think even the ABA counsellors have to have successfully fed for at least 9 months to qualify as counsellors. Maybe next time in hospital with this bub if I have problems I should outright ask the LC & midwives how long they fed their babies for. It would probably be a real eye opener!