Breastfeeding in the Headlines and Booby Traps

Oh - what a week it has been!  I was able to go to my first ever La Leche League meeting!  I had such a great time!  The ladies were all so friendly and the kids had a great time playing.  It was a great supportive atmosphere.  We could bounce questions and ideas off of each other and just chat and get to know each other.  If you are breastfeeding or considering, visit a group meeting.

• Why Most Mom's Don't Follow Breastfeeding Recommendations - An in-depth explanation of many issues that keep moms from breastfeeding.  Are you surprised that lack of support is #1?
• Changing how we teach breastfeeding - Were you taught the classic positions? Cradle hold? Football hold? Side lying?  This article shows a new way to help moms be successful.
• Neonatal Jaundice - did your baby have jaundice? Both of mine did. Buggy was readmitted to the hospital for bili light treatments since he was a preemie. This article really sheds some light (pardon the pun) on jaundice in babies.

Now, I want to touch on the Similac formula recall.  In light of the Time magazine article, this whole topic has been on my heart a bit lately.  I encourage you to think about what the ultimate goal is.  Increased breastfeeding.  What will achieve this goal?  Support. What won't? Guilt. Short term, possibly, but guilt will not create lasting change in our culture.  

I have read several blogs and websites spouting the "Breastmilk Never Gets Recalled" campaign.  It's true.  Breastmilk doesn't get recalled.  It is yet another benefit to breastfeeding over formula feeding.

What about the mom who, like me, has a medical condition that requires some supplementation until things are under control?  What about the mom like a family member of mine who worked with a lactation consultant closely and did EVERYTHING she could to nurse only to get a max of 2 oz per day after all the supplements, crazy pumping regimen, and all the stress?  What about the mom struggling with postpartum mood disorders to the point of fearing for her own life as a friend of mine did?  What about the mom who has no support or no knowledge? 

How is the guilt associated with flaunting "Breastmilk Never Gets Recalled" in their faces helping matters?  Imagine the fear these moms (and all formula feeding moms) must feel as they worry if their baby will get sick from eating recalled formula.  I would be terrified.  Let's take a step back and really examine the "Booby Traps" that prevent moms from nursing.  Let's support, not tear down.

What Booby Traps have you experienced?  What have you seen or heard?  How can we break down these barriers?