hello kelly and fellow mums!

i voted for 'interventions at birth'...

if policy-makers want to know why there is big barriers to breastfeeding they MUST first recognise the great disadvantage most mothers begin with... many women are captive consumers to a health care system that does not make it easy for their bodies to transition into motherhood...

hospital protocol calls for a cascade of interventions that severly hinder the mother- infant bond as well as a mothers body's ability to provide the necessary hormone triggers that make breastfeeding 'natural' and enjoyable

even a 'natural' birth comes with sintocin injected after the head crowns, premature clamping and cutting of the cord and a vitamin K injection (and hep B vaccination) for bub... and that's if everything 'goes well'!... our health care system needs to re-think its policies regarding birth and care for all mum's and bubs.

i strongly believe by simply letting women be during and immediatly following the birth of their babies (rather then the unnessesary poking and prodding and injections that often go on) the rate of breastfeeding would increase! the transition into motherhood and also breastfeeding would be smoother and more rewarding for thousands of mothers in the australian system...

i also think the other options mentioned are definately contributing factors, however many of these could be avoided with some preparation and information gathering on behalf of the mother. i hate to sound cold but each of us as parents are responsible for our choices and experiences in regard to our babies. at the end of the day, it's not the midwife (with his/her discouraging words) whose baby gets formula over breastmilk- it's yours- so if it's not what you want for your child- then dismiss their negativity and get a second opinion.

*food for thought*: a lactation consultant is going to work out to be alot cheaper then infant formula in the long run; and also going to cost you alot less emotionally knowing your giving your baby the best...

there is a plethora of positive information out there (in the form of books, pamphlets, mothers groups and on the web) that can both educate and inspire mums to commence and persist with breastfeeding- but you have to get out there and look for it (and honestly- you don't have to dig deep to find it).

after arming myself with a range of positive information there was not a single advertisment or negative comment from health care workers that could deter me from breastfeeding after the birth of my son. i had sourced mothers groups toward the end of my pregnancy that supported my ideas and was ready to turn to them for support if needed. i began planning soon after i found out i was pregnant how to adjust my work and financial situation because i knew i would not be returning to work for 6 years after having a baby so we downsized to make that possible.

it is so important that every parent set goals and then place ourselves in a position that gives us the best chance to succeed :angel2: