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1St August marked the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week. The 2024 world title as set by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action and”Closing the Gap”, directly on the difficult first week: “Lack of breastfeeding support during the critical first week has a significant impact on breastfeeding intentions and prevalence“.
Every year, Lactamo conducts an annual survey, which is in line with the official WBW topic. This research is very important, as you parents share your first hand experiences.
This year we are excited and inspired by the global theme: The most important week of giving birth is when many mothers face challenges and ‘make or break’ breastfeeding: what a mother knows in the first week will help her prepare for the rest of her breastfeeding journey. Now is the time to think about women’s support and that’s where we at Lactamo look to play our part.
Expectations are realistic
Before breastfeeding, only 13 percent of respondents thought breastfeeding would be difficult. The sad fact is that 95% of women at that time reported problems with breastfeeding. The fact that women do not expect help, combined with the knowledge that support is inadequate, sets women up for failure from day one.
The first week after giving birth is the most important time to establish breastfeeding and ensure long-term success. Hospitals are better placed in their maternity wards to empower, support and improve the skills of mothers after birth to establish breastfeeding. Research it shows that the support that the mother receives at this time is very important. Breastfeeding support and education in the early days can help prevent common conditions including engorgement, blocked ducts, and low milk supply. But many women don’t have access to timely, knowledgeable support, which leads to stress, feelings of failure and ultimately a longer-than-expected end to their breastfeeding journey.
We at Lactamo think that the priority should be placed on empowering women with support and solutions during the first difficult week of childbirth.
A nearby look in the results
Our research highlights the challenges that new mothers face in accessing support in the early stages of labour:
- 76% reported experiencing barriers to accessing breastfeeding support
- 91% said that help lactation consultants may be important
- 69 per cent of mothers thought more support during the ‘difficult first week’ would have helped them to breastfeed
The results of this study show a significant difference in breastfeeding support, especially during the first difficult week. Although 99% of respondents agreed to the need for support during this period, almost half felt that they did not receive enough.
Details
We appreciate the detailed feedback we received in response to our survey, but we are disappointed by the headline’s negative sentiment. The responses showed that urgent help and solutions are needed in the first difficult week, and the current systems are failing our mothers when they are in the midst of their maternal problems:
“I was very tired and I expressed breast milk sooner than I wanted to just to rest, but then she stopped breastfeeding”
“More help at the hospital and education from the midwives could have saved my breastfeeding journey, and my relationship with my baby. I have so many regrets”
“With my second child I received great support in the first few weeks which gave me a good breastfeeding journey this time.”
Looking ahead: promoting change
The beginning of motherhood is one of the most difficult times in our lives. How can we do this, and help women? We are committed to empowering women with knowledge, support, and innovative ways to make their breastfeeding journey smoother from day one.
The results of our study show the urgent need for women with complications in the first week of delivery. Breastfeeding is not a personal choice but a societal responsibility to provide support. By closing the gap in breastfeeding support, we can create a brighter and better future for all.
Do this work with us. Together we can make a difference.