I think that stitch asked a very important question, that more health professionals should ask. Then perhaps they could actually support mums properly.
Anyone who does not wish to justify themsselves need not answer.
Anyway, here goes:
When pregnant with dd I wasn't, shall we say, the most maternal person in the world. I had very little contact with babies, I thought the whole motherhood thing was a bit yukky to be honest and had decided that I would have my baby, then return to work as quickly as possible.
Saying all that of course I was excited and I was going to do everythinhg right, only we never do, do we.
I had been brought up amogst a family of ardent bottlefeeders, it was all I knew. As far as my mum was concerned I was bottlefed and am alright (if you ignore the asthma, excema and hayfever). Breastfeeding in public was a disgusting thing that shouldn't be allowed.
However because I had read that breastfeeding was good for babies I decided that I would try it. It was assumed by everyone that I would bottlefeed though. My mother in law turned up when I was 12 weeks pg with a present of a steriliser and a dozen bottles.
Meanwhile my maternity care was very sporadic. My midwife went on maternity leave and I had a series of fill ins so I never saw the same person twice. my breastfeeding talk consisted of me being told that I should breastfeed and being asked to sign a sheet to say that they had discussed it with me.
As time went on my fears began to come to the surface. I began to have nightmares that I had given birth and was trying to feed my baby, I put it to the nreast and nothing came out.
The nightmares only stopped when I decided that I would bottlefeed.
There followed an awful incident at the antenatal classes when everyone was asked to put their hands up if they were going to breastfeed. When I didn't I had 20 other women turn around and look at me in horror. This put my back up even more. The whole attitide was summed up by a hospital brochure with the strapline, best for baby, best for mum. I felt that no-one could know what was best for me unless they actually took the time to talk me me and evaluate MY particyular cirmumstances. After all I am a unique person, not a number.
After actually giving borth I was asked how I was going to feed dd. i mentioned the possibility of mixed feeding but was told that it was not possible and I had to make a choice of one or the other, bottle or breast. No other options were explained and no-one talked through why I wasnted to do things that way.
I chose bottle. Dh gave dd her first feed.
Sorry abot the essay, hope thats the sort of thing you are looking for stitch.