I agree with you, Kathy, but I would also add that some
women don't do what's best for their child because it seems
an unreachable goal. For instance, I really should only feed
my family organic foods -- but I've written that off as one thing
I will never accomplish. I understand that it would be better
for my child to do so.

ANYWAY, I think that breastfeeding is perceived by many
woman as something that is difficult, complicated, and
something they could never achieve. In the population I serve
(international, college educated) the women are so driven by
other goals (school, career) and their lives so darned
scheduled, that breastfeeding --even if initiated -- seems like
an impossible longterm undertaking. In fact, with the way
some women try to maintain their "previous life" after having
the baby, breastfeeding *is* nearly impossible. The "bottle
culture" model is at odds with the bf reality. And the things
that make bf so easy (taking baby with you, baby-led
schedule) seem infeasible to many of our sisters.

TGIF. I had some deeper thoughts but I forgot them. Time to
go home....
Margery Wilson, IBCLC