A number of factors – from initial difficulties to common misconceptions – mean that many women abandon breastfeeding in frustration. But a new study shows success with a new kind of support.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on breastfeeding support
Displaying all articles
Researchers don’t fully understand the composition of breast milk and its benefits. Beyond nutrition, it contains enzymes, hormones and the mother’s antibodies — including antibodies for COVID-19.
‘Catching a baby’ or caring for new parents on Christmas Day is special, midwives say. But Christmas can also be a vulnerable time for many women, especially so during a pandemic.
New research finds that while some women thrived during lockdown, others found breastfeeding to be difficult and overwhelming.
There is no evidence that the coronavirus is transmitted through breast milk, and breastfeeding is encouraged during COVID-19. However, the support available to new mothers has changed dramatically.
Proper support for breastfeeding is an environmental imperative.
Promoting the benefits of breastfeeding isn’t enough when uncomfortable and uninviting public places deter mothers. Places that help them feel comfortable breastfeeding have several key features.
Mothers are told to stop breastfeeding when taking certain medications – even if they won’t harm their baby.
Most women want to breastfeed, but many struggle to start and to continue. Here are five ways to make it easier.
Top contributors
-
Professor of Child Public Health, Swansea University
-
Professor in Breastfeeding Research, La Trobe University
-
Research Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
-
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary
-
Caroline Homer is a Friend of The Conversation.
Co-Program Director: Maternal and Child Health, Burnet Institute
-
Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University
-
Convenor Community Planning and Development, La Trobe University
-
Associate Professor, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University
-
Senior Research Fellow, Health Sciences, University of Bristol
-
Professor of Economics and Behavioural Science, University of Stirling
-
Urban Designer and Sessional Lecturer, La Trobe University
-
Research Fellow in Public Health and Parenthood, DECIPHer, Cardiff University
-
Public Health Registrar & Senior Research Fellow (Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health), Burnet Institute
-
Associate Professor of Community Health Sciences; Co-Director MILC; Associate Director, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba
-
Postdoctoral Researcher, Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Behaviour, University of Bristol
