Yesterday, my co-Leader and I represented LLLC at a women's wellness
conference, speaking on "Breastfeeding and Women's Health" , looking
after an LLL table and basically meeting a lot of women we would not
normally meet.
I know have anecdotal evidence that, among the 35 - 60 age group,
approximately 50% breastfed and persevered despite bad advice and 50%
gave it up within the first few days (hours, maybe?) because of bad
advice. Statements were generally "Breastfeeding didn't work for me."
Statistics in our area indicate that as recently as in 1992, 53% of
mothers initiated breastfeeding, so I think we are in the right ball
park.
Only one of the 20 or 25 women we talked to was negative about
breastfeeding. Strenuous use of active listening revealed that it was
because babies adjusted better to a schedule when they were not
breastfed. I did feedback as carefully as possible ("So having a baby on
a schedule is something that is very important to you?") and she said
yes.
Just in case we get discouraged sometimes, well over half of the women I
talked to commented on how hospital routines and professional advice had
improved a lot, and many young women who were barely thinking of
starting their families read our information with interest, and the one
man who was not holding a baby who dropped by told us to keep up the
good work and educate the world.
So I think I will.
Jo-Anne

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