I attended an excellent one day conference over the weekend -  Diane
Weisssinger was one of the speakers...Sometimes too much emphasis is
placed on
the "ideal"  which is exclusive breastfeeding (at the breast for a minimum
of 6 months) and continued breastmilk for at least 2 years.  How realistic
is this for many moms, especially in this day and age?

Pam,

I loved the conference, too, and am in total agreement with the main point
of your post, which is that it is counterproductive to promote an "all or
nothing" thinking about breastfeeding.  (Some breastfeeding is always
better than none!)  But when you say "Sometimes too much emphasis is on
the 'ideal,' which is exclusive breastfeeding..." this concerns me.  Diane
Wiessinger suggested in her talk (and what an amazing talk it was!) that
we stop using the word "ideal" to refer to breastfeeding.  As she
explained, "ideal" implies something outside the realm of possibility.  It
is a far-off goal that few achieve.

When we start talking about exclusive breastfeeding this way, we buy into
the cultural mindset that works against us.  I think exclusive
breastfeeding *can* be realistic (even in this day and age) because I've
met many mothers who have done it (including me).  One of the first steps
to make this more widespread is to "watch our language."

Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC
Lactation Education Specialist, Hollister, Inc.






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