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

[RachaelAustin]

For starters, Kelly midwives receive NO training how breastfeeding during the degree. So they either learn through having breastfed themselves (or not) or through the midwifery staff they learn through. So if you have a midwife teaching a midwife that has NFI about the techniques of breastfeeding or underlying anatomy and physiology the cycle will continue to repeat itself. Secondly, as paeds or obs continue to recommend formula to LBW or premmie babies in the SCN or NICCU midwives seem to have blindly followed suit in believing that it is necessary. Rather than assisting the mother to express and teach her to express and store her milk. Again, this availability of artificial baby milk in the hospital leaves an imprint on the mothers brain, that her baby NEEDS artificial baby milk because obviously her milk was no good. It is disasterous to think this and of course isn't evidencd based. So upon discharge she walkes into the first chemist and buys the *necessary* bottle of formula. Naturally, hospitals do not cover enough breastfeeding education in the antenatal period. WHY? Because most midwives don't know how to properly attach a baby to the breast, at least they often cannot keep their hands off babies heads, they always seem to have to *help* the mother breastfeed, this has been researched to cause problems with attachment. Next, the type of maternity care a woman seeks is going to tcause a direct relationship as to the woman sucessfully breastfeeds her child for the recommended 2-5 years as stated by the WHO. Women who undergo care under an obstetrician (for example) are more likely to have unnecessary interventions, such as induction, forceps, vontouse, episotomy, augmentation, tears, traumatic birth, difficult birth, higher rates of PTS, PND, LSCS for eg.) in comparision to women who birth with a independent midwife. So why aren't govts providing medicare and insurance for midwives, the specialists in normal birth? Surgeon have access to it. For MCH nuses/midwives should be mandatory for them to become a lactation consultant, and it should be for midwives for that matter to, at least to have done breastfeeding studies. This will stop the conflicting advice and give women access to adequate prenatal breastfeeding education.
Women who choose NOT to breastfeed should have to access a lactation consultant for scripts to formula, not a doctor as a doc has a conflict of interest as a formula fed baby will be a sicker baby (again research knows this) so a doctor could be seen as looking after their own interests. Women who choose to formula feed should also have to have counselling and explore the reasons why the are choosing not to give their baby the best (normal) start to life. Sounds harsh, but in reality babies DIE from not being breastfed. This inquiry is to work out why women don't breastfeed and to fix the system that isn't working for women and babies at the moment. So lets not beat around the bush and tell them (govt) the facts. I could keep going on and on... but that is enough for now

[seepi]

I believe the lack of access to medical services is the major problem.

In Canberra wait time for an MCHN is 6 weeks. Obviously if you had feeding problems they need addressing quicker than that. There are drop in sessions (3 hours twice a week), but these invove waiting up to 2.5 hours and are often quickly filled, with a sign then put up 'pls come back next week'.

Canberra also has almost no doctors who bulk bill. Those who do are in 'medical centres' where you cannot make an appointment, but must sit and wait for up to 5 hours. Not something you want to do with an unhappy baby with feeding issues. Also in Canberra it is nearly impossible to get access to a doctor on the day you ring for an appointment.

I consider this problem with even getting access to medical advice to be a major problem in encouraging breastfeeding. It is all very well to educate medical staff to provide better advice, but if it takes days/weeks to see them, hours waiting on the day, and costs 55.00, then most people will not access the services.

[serenity]

I breastfed my son til he was 10 months old but had to supplement with formula from 7 mths due to returning to work. I work for a very large company (an airline) but there were absolutely no facilities to express or store breastmilk and no one was interested in establishing any support for new mothers. It was very disappointing and I feel my son weaned himself early as he eventually preferred the bottle.
I am now pregnant again and have resigned from my position as I feel my children's well being is compromised by me working full-time especially in their first couple of years when I have very little family or support around me to help with child care.

[anney]

Hi all,
I was one of the lucky ones who despite not seeing my daughter for the first time until 18 hours after birth, she latched on straight away and had no trouble breastfeeding for the next 18 months. I did not have any education or advice about feeding my baby during my pregnancy and I did not really think about it, I just thought breast feeding was what you did and was lucky it worked for me. also, I have only had one child so who knows if I would be this lucky again?
whenever I see these types of threads I wonder about where my attitude toward breastfeeding came from. I don't have many early memories of my childhood but one vivid memory I have is my mum sitting up in bed breastfeeding my youngest sister who was born when I was 6. this must have made a big impression on me.
Also I was brought up in a home where breasts were not in anyway sexual objects. I still think that way - I see breasts primarily as providing food for babies not as sexual objects. I think part of the issue is that breasts are now sexualised so much that people may feel less comfortable to use them for feeding. (I would love to know if there is some research on this type of thing - anyone know??)
So I think this all comes down to education of all areas of society but at a very early age, so I guess it is really changing societies attitudes altogether.
Also, I think a simple poll on this is not going to give a real feel for the problem as I think those of us who were lucky enough to be able to successfully breastfeed may give entirely different answers to those who have not been so successful. It would be interesting to see a separate poll for those that breastfed easily compared to those that had problems. it is such a complex issue so lots of luck with it Kelly.
BTW - I did not vote yet. I think lack of education probably fits best for me?

ETA - have just read the post by RachelAustin above and while I don't agree with this statement and find it a bit unnecessary,

not a doctor as a doc has a conflict of interest as a formula fed baby will be a sicker baby (again research knows this) so a doctor could be seen as looking after their own interests.

I do agree that there should be a "one stop shop" for breastfeeding advice which is accessible, funded and advertised and staffed by educated professionals.

[Adnil]

I voted for Lack of availablility/affordability of support, although I think it is a real combination of things. The other option I was tossing up with was lack of education.

When I think back to that first week with Emma, the really difficult times were because I didn't know what I was doing, but the staff at the hospital were so busy I didn't get much help. Then one wonderful midwife helped me & it was probably what made the difference for me. So in my personal experience, lack of available support was the biggest factor.

But I think that lack of education is definitely a big factor. In general I think that as a community we really need more access to advice & be more exposed to seeing others b/f. I think exposure to it is something that really makes a difference.

ETA: - Wow RachaelAustin, I had no idea that midwives don't recieve training on b/f! That amazes me! I would say that could be one of the best ways to improve the b/f rate in Aus. As the midwives are there for so much of the support during those first crucial days.

[meg_bellamy]

I voted lack of continuity of care, as I think alot of the other problems would be addressed if there was continuity of care e.g.
-less medical interventions at birth
-more education
-less conflicting advice because the woman would see one main carer
-more support

But then again I agree that the other factors have a big influence as well, such as advice from family and friends, and the work situation.

[Smoke Jaguar]

Neeny, I didn't shoot you down in flames. I didn't even know you had posted when I hit 'submit reply', because my post took me so long to compose in between interruptions. I went back to read the posts I missed and, no, your post was not angry at all, so I was definitely not responding to your post (which I hadn't even seen).
I've missed more posts, so I'm going to catch up again (I'm trying to write an assignment as well, so if ever there was split personality...!)

[Rouge]

Can we please not make this thread a for and against about FF vs BF.

This thread & poll has been simply started to find out "What do you think is the biggest barrier to breastfeeding In Australia?"

If you have something to add to this discussion fantastic. But please do NOT turn this thread into another anti vs pro. Or posts will be edited or removed.

If you have a problem with the content of a post you can report it and we will deal with it appropriately. Lets not loose sight of the topic, please.

*hugs*
Cailin

[becmc]

I think mis-information from health professionals is a huge barrier, alot of them really don't know what they are talking about.
For example, a friend's new bub wasn't putting on weight and she couldn't express much, so the health nurse told her to not feed at all overnight and in the morning there will be enough to express for a full feed??????? Terrible advice, night feeds are the most important in building supply and some women just cannot express no matter how much milk they have. Needless to say, she couldn't express anything in the morning, thought she had no milk and put her bub on the bottle.
When my ds was 5 months his weight gain slowed considerably, I was told to comp with formula which I only did once thank god, and then I called the ABA. They were great and told me that it is normal for bf bubs to slow with weight gain at around five months, unlike formula bubs who gain consistently.
The health nurses just don't know what they are talking about, and are putting off so many new mums who are very emotional anyway, and making them feel inadequate so they give up.

[sunshine]

Summary - Education is available for pregnant women; midwives at the hospital I attended were no help at all.

I found that there was plenty of information available that I read whilst pregnant. I also attended a Breastfeeding and new parenting workshop run by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, which was a goldmine of useful information.

Consequently, when I went into hospital to have my first baby, I had a very clear idea of what I was trying to do, different techniques that could help establish a good breastfeeding relationship (e.g.feed immediately after birth, what a good latch on looks and feels like, etc.), how often I should feed, from which side etc. This was very lucky, as the hospital midwives seemed to all have very different ideas. I once had a midwife flounce into my room, "help" my baby attach, then flounce out, only for a different midwife to enter 2 mins later, and tell me I was doing it all wrong and change how I was sitting, baby's attachment etc. I found this upsetting and annoying.

I decided to only ask for help if I felt I needed it, and was able to happily breastfeed my baby for 7 months without any hitches.

My second child is now 5 months old. I am also breastfeeding him (with no thanks to any health professionals, but one call to the ABA helpline - THANK you!).

[Smoke Jaguar]

I could not agree more with some posts here about BFing being 'natural'. Yes, it's natural, but we're not 'naturalS' at it in technique! Milk is there, boobs are there, babies mouth is there...we've lost the in-between bits with the way our society operates. It operates behind closed doors where everything is a private matter and so much is not normalised to us.
When I mention that Oscar can feed for as long as he likes, some people say "what if you fall pregnant again?", and they are confused when I reiterate "for as long as he likes", because they are under the impression that feeding must cease when pregnant. That's an education issue.
With education (on more than just how to attach your baby, but on the many benefits of BM for mother and child) you have the comebacks to all sorts of criticisms. And when people realise that you know what you are doing and WHY, they stop saying dumb things (well, mostly).

[nicolelh]

I think one of the major dramas isn't actually listed at all - it's lack of perseverance!

Yes, there can be major problems with feeding, but so many women seem to just give up ridiculously quickly. I think the root cause of this is the opinion that formula feeding is almost or just as good. IT"S NOT!

I had trouble choosing which one to pick so I went with availability of artificial formula, but I think lack of education of health professionals is real high on that list too. I am always infuriated when reading books on childcare (e.g. kidwrangling) that say "breastfeeding is great if you can do it." But then go on to make bucket loads of excuses which a woman can latch on to (forgive the pun) in order to justify giving up quickly. Whenever you read letters to the editor in popular parenting magazines it's constantly filled with letters from FF mothers saying things like "you shouldn't make us feel guilty" etc. Almost never do they publish a letter from a mother who perservered through problems, or from an expert stating just how much better breastfeeding is.

I mean, the books ought to be saying "breastfeeding can be very difficult, you may experience significant problems while learning, but these problems are worth persisting through, even if they seem insurmountable at the time, because breast feeding is infinitely better for you and your baby and formula feeding should be an absolute last resort. Hardly any of the problems that women experience mean that they "need" to go on formula."

And health care experts should be saying the same thing, instead of recommending the bottle as soon as the baby isn't large and plump.

Next time I read a book that says "breast is best if you can do it, but bottle feeding is nothing to be ashamed of" I think I'm going to put it in the blender. I think tins of formula should have to have a statement on them saying " this product is a very poor alternative to breast milk" or "you should only use this product as a last resort." haha, I know, I know, never gonna happen.

If this, admittedly militant, attitude was more common, then people would think a lot harder before going to the "easy option.' My mother breastfed 3 of us, after my birth was incredibly traumatic, my brother was a sleepy baby who wouldn't take food and my sister was a dream. My midwife told me she was surprised she breastfed, especially given that this was around the time when bottle feeding was really popular. I asked mum, and she said that as far as she was concerned, bottle feeding was not a suitable alternative, and did I really think that her mother, who breastfed 5 kids, would have allowed her to give up? I think that last comment is a very big key. Older generations need to support the younger ones, and perhaps even be a bit militant about insisting that they push through problems, while getting them all the help they need. Breastfeeding is passed down from generation to generation.

[chickenlittle]

I was one of the lucky ones who really didn't have to work too hard breastfeeding both my babies. But I am also a voracious reader and had many books and breastfeeding information learned and studied by the time I gave birth.

Without this information, which I chased up myself just through natural interest, I would have been truly lost should I have encountered problems.

Of all the pamphlets and info I received during pre-natal care, both through the public system first time round, then through my obstetrician when under private care, there was virtually nothing on breastfeeding/benefits of/problems to expect/importance of persistance etc.

In free information handed out - ie bounty bags and sample packs - there's more emphasis placed on advertising from companies offering photos for your newborn, or baby capsule hire. Surely if we're receiving bags of freebies and info, there can be at least one comprehensive booklet on breastfeeding. Or a fridge magnet. Or SOMETHING! ANYTHING!

[Study Mummy]

I voted lack of continuity of care because what was a huge help to me was having the same midwife who had seen me throughout preg. and birth, do home visits for 5 weeks post-natally ... I found it very difficult establishing breastfeeding, it was PAINFUL, got mastitis, my son wanted feeding every 2 hours ... but having someone to answer my questions, watch me feed (without me having to get out of PJs or travel), tell me what a good job I was doing, was a godsend. She was also able to deflect the well meaning advice of my mother and MIL, neither of whom had breastfeed for very long or very successfully.

Close 2nd would be lack of education ... there's loads of information out there but it's very simplistic and none of it talks about how painful it can be. I kept remembering during 3 months of pain a midwife friend with 3 children who said to me just before the birth, "you do know breastfeeding is painful to begin with don't you?". The fact that a 'professional' who had also done it three times experienced the same thing was a comfort. I got so frustrated when I read though that if baby is attached correctly it won't hurt - now that's true, but not at the start when I had grazes and cracks - they needed to heel before it would not be painful. I used to give up trying to reattach after 10 to 15 minutes (screaming baby, tired mother ... it was just easier to deal with the pain - let's face it, it was less painful than childbirth!). Have stuck with it and my boy is now 10 months old and I intend to keep going until he's ready to wean (tho will be encouraging him from 12 months I think). Being honest, I have never enjoyed breastfeeding and have only done it because I know it's good for my son (and it's easier than having to take sterilised water and formula with me whenever I go anywhere). I am really looking forward to not having "working boobies" anymore!

[Karina]

I think it could be a combination of:

Conflicting advice - I personally didnt experience this as I havent needed to seek advice on BF, but after listening to what some of the mums at mothers group say, they seem to be having this problem where everyone gives differnt advice and it just gets overwhelming and confusing. Also some nurses and midwives seem to have different opinions and ideas.

Going back to work with lack of bf support - this I believe will be a barrier for me if I want to breastfeed long term. There's nowhere appropriately private at my workplace to express (unless I want to do it in the loos or at my desk - i dont think so) and I feel a bit funny about storing my EBM in the fridge there as I just *know* my colleagues will think its wierd and I'll cop flak for it - lack of education to them, I suppose. My workplace is not the type of place that will be willing to accommodate for this sort of thing either (hell, I had enough trouble getting maternity leave!) Lots of women need to go back to work earlier than they had hoped which would be one of those things making it tricky for mums to continue bf if theres nowhere to express at work/lack of support from their workplace.

[katiepie]

For me it was conflicting advice, lack of continuity of care, further on down the track lack of breastfeeding facilities at work

In the hospital when we were learning to breastfeed some midwifes were helpful and some not and Megan was a night owl and all my problems were in the middle of the night and there were not as many midwifes on and those who were, were impatient. Megan was feeding every 1.5hs-2hrs and the hospital policy was 4hourly feeds. I could not do this unless i let her scream for the other 2hours!! And no one would tell me if she was latching on properly.

I then felt alone at home not sure who to turn to the hospital not helpful and found i difficult to get out by myself. As i think i had a big nipple Megan just did not want the whole lot in her mouth, so i felt i had attachement problems. When i saw pead at 6 weeks he said she had put on too much weight and grown too much!! How is this possible from breastfeeding? Maybe too much weight but food alone can't get her to grow 10cm?! Luckly for me i went with my instincts and at 8weeks Let Megan do what ever with the nipple and feed every 2Hours. it was fine after that until i had to go back to uni and there was no breastfeeding areas or child minding facilities at uni so at 6 months she had to be weaned :-(

[azima]

I vote lack of education - but I would qualify that as actual lack of education in society, not just mothers to be.

Great point.

[marisa man]

I agree with NicoleH: Whenever you read letters to the editor in popular parenting magazines it's constantly filled with letters from FF mothers saying things like "you shouldn't make us feel guilty" etc. Almost never do they publish a letter from a mother who perservered through problems, or from an expert stating just how much better breastfeeding is.

When Kayne was born I had 2 shocking bouts of mastitis which I ignored cos I had no idea what I had. The lack of support off family , Friends and so called professionals to continue with the breastfeeding was completely disheartening. I followed my gut instincts and kept breastfeeding him even though I stressed & cried 10 minutes before every feed as I knew how excruciating the pain was going to be. I am glad I did persevere - he was breast fed til he was 11 months old.
I am just hoping I can continue BF the twins!