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

[BellyBelly]

If I can expand a little on the education thing - because I would like to know exactly - what would you like to see in terms of education? Because I know as a first time mother, when I was pregnant, I missed going to the breastfeeding session and wasn't phased by it because I thought I would be able to manage without it and it would be easy. How do you get through to people like that? I think the parenting and breastfeeding side of things becomes more interesting AFTER you have had the baby for many people, so what would you all suggest given this scenario?

[no3onboard]

Kelly,

I guess more info antenatally - given out - I guess this is where the govt can come in, producing some quality info/pamphlet detailing the benefits for mothers and babies both short benefits and long-term ones.

I agree pamphlets hae severe limitations, but also wonder if the govt will balk at TV campaigns - as they basically need to run ad infinitum to 'catch' the target audience.

The idea of educating kids as part of sex ed programs at school is a good one. I presently would love to take my baby to my son's (Grade 2) class for 'show and tell' and actually breastfeed her there, but I seriously doubt I'd be allowed, and if I was I KNOW the school and I would get complaints from other parents.

But I am skeptical about all of this education, because unless the health professionals themselves are highly motivated in their own right to increase the bf-ing rates of their clientele, the info will never be backed up with that all-important support and solution-driven advice from OBs, midwives, paeds, GPs, MCHNs & LCs.

Jo - mother of three (currently in my 58th month of breastfeeding)

[alioops]

I replied to the 1st email so kelly will c this twice.

I think the biggest problem is public attitude. I got comments about indecent exposure to which I replied that breastfeeding is legal. I think there needs to be advertising advising especially older males about the fact that breastfeeding is exempt from the indecent exposure laws. I found the support from medical professionals was heaps and it was only after I got out of hospital that I got abused for feeding my baby.