Breastfeeding is not always easy.
Let’s get that out of the way. And for many people, breastfeeding might not be a viable option. That’s ok.
At Ergobaby we recognize that everyone comes to parenthood through a unique journey and that journey doesn’t stop once a baby joins your family. Our goal is to support parents wherever they’re at in their parenting journey.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. We also recognize that fed is best. If you’ve chosen to bottle feed or formula feed, no judgment here. You do what’s best for your family with guidance from your care providers!
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and whether you’ve chosen to breastfeed, bottle feed, formula feed, or a combination of everything – there’s a lot to learn when it comes to children’s health and the overall status of breastfeeding in our society today!
According to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality, “Many mothers and birthing people struggle to reach their breastfeeding goals, and sixty percent do not breastfeed as long as they intended to.
Rates of breastfeeding in the United States vary widely because of the multiple and complex barriers mothers face when starting and continuing to breastfeed.
Factors that influence how long a baby is breastfed, including issues with lactation and latching, concerns about infant nutrition and weight, concerns about taking medications while breastfeeding, and implicit bias experienced through unsupportive hospital practices and policies.”
Research shows that breastfeeding is a key element in sustainable development strategies because it improves nutrition, ensures food security, and reduces inequality between countries.
“But you can’t talk about breastfeeding in the United States without pointing out that every other wealthy country has found a way to accommodate breastfeeding mothers, and usually in the form of lengthy paid maternity leave. It’s very hard for American women to breastfeed, even according to our own medical guidelines, because the social supports are not in place.” Jacqueline H. Wolf
According to the CDC, breastfeeding rates are markedly different in some areas of the country:
There are also racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities:
Additionally. 60% of women in the US don’t breastfeed as long as they intended to. Some of the reasons include:
Federal Policies, Programs, Initiatives
10 Things to Help You Through Your Breastfeeding Journey
6 Helpful Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
Black Breastfeeding Week with Jada Parks Chatterjee
Embracing Your Breastfeeding Journey
Nursing in the Omni Breeze Carrier
Simple Solutions and Reliable Resources for Common Breastfeeding Concerns
On the latest episode of the Life with Baby podcast, we have a very special…
It is challenging for parents and providers to care for infants admitted to the Neonatal…
Parenting in the modern world is a balancing act of nurturing close bonds with your…
----------------- For the next Life with Baby podcast episode, tune in for an unforgettable journey…
Welcoming a newborn into the world is an unparalleled experience, filled with moments of tender…
Last week, we partnered with @chamberofmothers to bring more awareness around the Momnibus Act in Washington…