The Great Debate

The problem with this debate, claim some experts, is that it makes moms who don’t or can’t breastfeed feel guilty. Perhaps this is true.

Why We Fail-- A Parable 

How would you feel if your doctor told you that you should eat organically grown foods instead of fast food? Let’s say there is even an organically grown garden on the edge of town that offers free food to anyone who is willing to drive there.

Then your doctor takes away your car and builds a huge fence around the garden. But he still expects you to eat organic food.

Then the fast food companies come to you with a lovely free bag just brimming with fast food coupons and free samples. They tell you they know the organic food is better, but their food is the next best thing.  After giving you the bag, they build an even bigger fence around the free organic garden.

Then your boss tells you there is no way he can let you go to the organic garden during work hours.  Unfortunately, if you don't go to the garden regularly, they don't let you have the food.  Your boss builds yet another fence around the garden.

You know the organic food is better. You want the organic food. But the lack of help, the lack of transportation, and those huge fences are keeping you out. You feel frustrated, but at least you have the next best thing--fast food.

Do you feel guilty now? Do you feel guilty that you were told organic food was best, but you were repeatedly prevented from getting it?

Clearly, it is not your fault that you couldn’t get that food. It is the fault of all of the people who put obstacles in your path.

It is the same with breastfeeding.

 Our society is full of obstacles for mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. Some of it is subtle and some of it is obvious, but it all amounts to the same result--a poor breastfeeding rate in the United States.

We are undercut by the health profession because most of them are poorly trained to help with breastfeeding problems. Physicians and nurses don't usually receive adequate training during their education programs to help mothers with breastfeeding issues.   

Formula manufacturers make money if you don’t succeed, so they place subtle hints in their marketing materials to plant the seeds of doubt in your mind that you might not be successful.

Then the work environment provides the final punch. If you were able to breastfeed while on maternity leave, you are sure to encounter an early return to work, long work days, reduced time to pump, lack of privacy, and unsympathetic co-workers.

Don’t feel guilty-Get mad!

Our society is set up to make us fail and that will continue until we change it.

Now let’s really look at the debate. Is it worth the fight to change our society? Decide for yourself.