I think there are some valid reasons why a mother cannot breastfeed. There are some medications to sustain life that cannot be mixed with breastfeeding such as undergoing chemo or radiotherapy, some phsycho type drugs also. There are severe cases inverted nipples, cleft palettes etc that make BF almost too difficult to contemplate (but in some cases can still be done or at least epxressing). there are some medical conditions that affect milk production and quiet often drugs used when birthing have a devestating affect on BF initiation. I think there is also noted to be a declining BF rate in IVF mums (perhaps something to do with the same hormones that help fall pregnant- not sure)
But in the end I think its misinformation that causes many mothers to wean early. Many mothers are told they need to wean to take antidepressants for PND but aren't encouraged to keep feeding and take BF friendly drugs.
The whole weight gain thing I feel has been a major factor in BF babies being weaned to formula. If I didn't have very pro BF CHN I am sure my kids would have been made to go onto formula. Bring on the new WHO charts ASAP!!!!
I had a very informative heart to heart with my mother this weekend. We discussed how she fed me. I was very proud that she fed me until I was 8 mths old (found out she was pregnant and was told to wean) and my next 2 brothers for 6 mths. With my youngest brother who is 10 yrs younger then me she couldn't BF she says because of stress. Knowing what she went through I can completely understand. My younger brother was found to be allergic/intolerant(grew out of it??) to cows milk and the Dr commented that all her children were, but us older 3 kids didn't show because of the BF even though we went straight onto cows milk (straight out of the cow most times LOL!!)
I went through hell to BF my eldest (blocked ducts mastitis breast abcess and surgery) and after that I used to get really mad inside that women were formula feeding for what I thought were really petty reasons. Glad to say I no longer think that way, instead whenever I see a lady bottle feeding I think "What happened to that women that meant she couldn't BF"
Theres some info on the ABA site about galactagogues (sorry can't spell) that help with milk production.