I am seeking your help, all-wise ones.  I am working on a project to
provide support to pregnant women who know they will be having to return
to work after their babies are born.  It is my goal to increase the
number of working moms who are breastfeeding in my community.

So far I have found that most of the women in my community who are
planning to return to work give up on breastfeeding very quickly if
there are any problems during the initial two weeks, because their
perception is that "it's not worth the hassle" because they will have to
quit soon when they return to work.  As you might guess there is little
work-place support for breastfeeding, its just not part of the culture
around here!  And I am gradually approaching various employers to offer
my services in developing work place lactation programs.  But that is a
different project.

As part of this project, I am trying to develop some research-based
goals for women to aim towards.  As an example, "Infants who are
breastfeed for at least 12 weeks have been shown to have received
protection against diarrheal disease which extends beyond _____."
(Ooops, I have to find that reference again in the mound of articles I
copied last time I went to the UNR library.)  But that will give you an
idea of what I am hoping to develop.

If any of you would be willing to contribute ideas and references for
this project, I would really appreciate it.

Also, is anyone using a tool to help mothers sort out the important
personal reasons as the basis for setting a goal to breastfeed for a
specific period of time.  My anectdotal experience is that moms who have
set a goal and acheived it are often so hooked on breastfeeding that
they will continue to maintain the relationship.  On the other hand
without a clear goal to strive for mothers frequently quit early on when
they encounter unexpected difficulties.  It will be sort of like helping
a mom to develop a birth plan.  What things are most important to you?
What things do you most fear?

Thanks in advance for the ideas.

Melinda Hoskins, MS, RN, IBCLE exam-taker in five days, YIKES!

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