Why are breastfeeding rates so low in this country??

[PasstheBucket89]

This is not a judgment thread, im not evangelical about either ive done both through necessity, BF/FF,. Im genuinely wondering why in one of the richest countries our levels are so low, sometimes in comparison to poorer countries with less medical care infrastructure. is it purely cultural, is it worse now than 30 years ago, i was and my sister BF until about a year old, so did many of my cousins or is it getting better now? so yeah no bunfight please just curious, i would like to BF this time, hopefully it goes better than the last 2 times x

I just want to say thanks for this thread and the range of experiences. I'm hoping to breast feed and this thread has been really useful.

I think the way the stats are gathered contributes, breastfeeding rates refer only to those that are exclusively breastfeeding. I think it would be helpful to have stats on combination feeding as it would show its as much of a valid option as exclusive breast or formula feeding. It would also reduce the feelings of failure and inadequacy that can come from having to supplement with formula.

I'm only 8 days in so still early days but I definitely benefit from being on the ward for 3 days after birth. We struggled to feed when she was one day old, it was too hot and she was too sleepy to stay latched. The midwife helped me with holds and how to manipulate my breast into a shape that would make latching easier. On day 2 they helped me with hand expressing as my milk had come in and they were too engorged for her to get a comfortable latch. I possibly would have muddled through at home on my own but having them and their support at the end of a buzzer made it less stressful and made breastfeeding a more positive experience than it could have been.

Also.... I think prudishness can contribute as for some people it can limit the conversation and passing on as knowledge. I have a friend who asked if was planning on breastfeeding but followed it up quickly with sorry if this is a too personal/tmi. As it happens I'm quite happy to have these conversations and so far have had them with my friend and sister getting both of their experiences and sharing doubts I have had that they also had. In not quite as much detail I've spoken to my partners parents too, for a second I thought I would find it embarrassing to talk about boobs with his dad but it wasn't that bad!!

@wigglerose the best advice I can give you, is read about what is normal in a breastfed NEWBORN. If you don't have close friends or family who have breastfed (and even sometimes if you do) cluster feeding can really seem like you don't have enough milk but the thrashing, pawing, screaming at your boobs on and off for several hours, each evening and for days in a row IS more often than not normal. A bottle WILL stop it, not because baby was ravenous, but because baby has a full and quite heavy tummy (formula is harder to digest than breastmilk) BUT it will impact the building of your supply .

Cluster feeding can really spook you, and a well meaning and dear family member (or sometimes a midwife!)saying "they seem ravenous" in those early days can really knock your cofidence. Don't let it - the screaming, pawing, popping on and off the boob is normal - it is natures way of getting your body to produce your milk by stimulating the pituitary glad (the crying) and your breast (the pawing and headbutting). Nature is amazing, but can be scary and off-putting.

Stats that only count EBF can confuse the issue. Loads of cultures give small doses of weak herbal teas to infants so their EBF rate is virtually zero despite the fact that most children in these cultures breastfeed to toddlerhood.

Yes, thankyou this has been an informative thread.