In a time where we aim to improve breastfeeding outcomes, many facilities, providers, etc., have policies and procedures around feeding. While we know improving breastfeeding rates is an important public health issue, some new parents feel significant breastfeeding pressure.
As a lactation professional, it is important to provide evidenced based information and support. However, there are ways to do so which do not add to any client feeling breastfeeding pressure. Here are some tips for supporting parents without adding to the breastfeeding pressure.
Always Ask How They Are and Give Space to Share
Early parenthood is a lot. There is little rest, lots of feeding, all while the body is still healing. Well meaning hospital signage and policy can leave stressed parents feeling pressured to breastfeed.
We want our clients to reach their breastfeeding goals. However, we want them to reach and have those goals because they have made informed, evidence-based decisions. We do not want them feeding a certain way due to pressure. That can be dangerous for one’s mental health and bonding.
When we begin working with a client, it is helpful to start with simply asking how they are, and then just listening. We are not helpful if we make them feel any sort of way about using formula temporarily or struggling with the demands of early breastfeeding.
Take time to hear how they are feeling. Learn what space they are in so that you can know how to respond in an empathetic and supportive way.
Find Out What Their Personal Breastfeeding Goals Are
Regardless of what current evidence says, and whatever current policies are, none of it truly matters when it comes to personal breastfeeding goals.
For some parents, they are focused on colostrum and early bonding but are open to any feeding scenarios long-term. Other parents have had prior feeding challenges, might be returning to work early, or have less support at home and may already plan to combo feed. There are also parents who want to follow current recommendations, or child-led weaning.
Taking time to know their goals, circumstances, etc., can help you best support them in a way that does not add extra unnecessary external breastfeeding pressure. Encourage them to take it one feeding at a time.
To Reduce Breastfeeding Pressure, Explain Population Level Benefits vs Personal Benefits
The science is clear, on a population level we see statistically significant differences in breastfed versus formula fed infants. This is especially true on a global population level. Breast milk is a live substance that is ever changing with the time of day, age of infant, and even exposed pathogens.
For the struggling breastfeeding parent, it can be daunting to think you might not be providing the best outcome for your baby. The pressure can lead to stress, resentment, and frustration. When we remove the pressure, and lower stress, sometimes feeding can go smoother. Breastfeeding without fear and tension can make it easier for the parent to relax and maybe even enjoy feeding.
When there is a positive association with feeding, rather than pressure, parents are more likely to handle the demands of frequent breastfeeding sessions or pumping.
When we discuss the difference between global population level benefits and personal benefits, we are helping to relieve that pressure.
Yes, breastfeeding does reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of illness on a population level. However, there are formula fed babies who rarely get sick, and breastfed babies who get sick frequently as feeding mode is not the only variable.
When we remove pressure, we remove the belief that how one feeds their baby is related to whether they are a “good” parent or not. Pressure does not improve breastfeeding rates in a sustainable or healthy way.
Reassure Clients That It Is Not All or Nothing
Often, we find clients feeling they must exclusively breastfeed, at the breast, or they will not be able to continue a breastfeeding relationship.
When we explain to clients that they can breastfeed exclusively at the breast if that works for them or they can:
- Combo feed with pumped milk
- Exclusively pump
- Combo feed with formula
- Combo feed pumped milk, formula, and feeding at the breast (e.g. when they are at work, bottles, when home breastfeeding).
- Combo feed with donor milk
- Can feed exclusively with donor milk
- Change their feeding style at any point
We can help them reach personal breastfeeding goals with less pressure. The benefits of breastfeeding do not disappear if a parent is not exclusively feeding at the breast. Someone returning to work or school in just two, six or twelve weeks is going to need options and less pressure.
Remember, we are always providing evidence-based information. However, how, when, and what to share is something we need to be conscious of. We can help parents reach their breastfeeding goals without making them feel unnecessary pressure.