Encouraging Trend

[syn_ack89]

Hallelujah!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080430/...breast_feeding

[hipmummy]

Wow! what wonderful news. Thank you for sharing.

[mntnmom]

that made my day, thanks! I'm glad it is becoming so accepted!
I think the biggest issue now is finding ways to support moms to KEEP BF. Even the littlest bit is great, but if there's a bunch of moms who tried it, but stopped after a short period because they didn't get the help they needed, there is still work to do!!

[MaryJaneLouise]

Experts attributed the rise to education campaigns that emphasize that breast milk is better than formula at protecting babies against disease and childhood obesity. A changing culture that accommodates nursing mothers may also be a factor.

[mrsdocmartin]

Originally Posted by mntnmom

that made my day, thanks! I'm glad it is becoming so accepted!
I think the biggest issue now is finding ways to support moms to KEEP BF. Even the littlest bit is great, but if there's a bunch of moms who tried it, but stopped after a short period because they didn't get the help they needed, there is still work to do!!

This is so true! I am encouraged to hear that more new moms are BFing. I have a pregnant friend right now who I never thought would even consider BFing. She registered for a PIS! I am doing a nursing basket for her shower and hope to help as much as possible. I think this is so a step in the right direction!

[PapayaMom]

I think it is great news as well, but I think you also have to read between the lines. Hospitals report on breastfeeding initiation which means that some of those 77% of babies were only put to breast once. I think more important measures are what breastfeeding rates are at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and year (and of course beyond). I personally know of several people who allowed baby to nurse for one feeding just to appease their friends, moms or other people.

That being said I think the more people who try it the more will at least continue and if we can continue to be a more accepting soceity those rates will continue to rise.

I like this table from kellymom, although I think it is due for an update
http://www.kellymom.com/writings/bf-numbers.html

We were talking about this article on my local AP group and it comes across a little too sunshine and roses, "oh look we've made our goal". But there is still so much work to be done in terms of length of time a woman breastfeeds.

Just my two cents

[FREEmom1120]

Originally Posted by PapayaMom

I think it is great news as well, but I think you also have to read between the lines. Hospitals report on breastfeeding initiation which means that some of those 77% of babies were only put to breast once. I think more important measures are what breastfeeding rates are at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and year (and of course beyond). I personally know of several people who allowed baby to nurse for one feeding just to appease their friends, moms or other people.

That being said I think the more people who try it the more will at least continue and if we can continue to be a more accepting soceity those rates will continue to rise.

I like this table from kellymom, although I think it is due for an update
http://www.kellymom.com/writings/bf-numbers.html

We were talking about this article on my local AP group and it comes across a little too sunshine and roses, "oh look we've made our goal". But there is still so much work to be done in terms of length of time a woman breastfeeds.

Just my two cents

Yeah, I agree. But to state it in a positive way. Less than 25% of babies are not receiving ANY colostrum or breastmilk.