In 2010 the NHS also found that the most common problem causing mothers to stop breastfeeding was the baby’s rejection of the breast or inability to latch correctly (27%), painful breasts or nipples (22%), whilst 22% thought that they had a breastmilk deficiency (this group increased to 39% by six weeks- four months decreasing to 23% by 6-9 months) whilst overall 39% stopped breastfeeding due to this problem or misconception.
1-5% of all women are unable lactate sufficient milk for their babies, whilst 2% of women can’t physically lactate or have complication resulting in a breastfeeding inability (e.g. baby having cleft palate, glandular tissue problems in the mother etc.) (Sediles, 2015).
41% of babies also experience sickness or vomiting due to the absence of breastfeeding (NHS, 2010).
So how can we address this issue?
More mass education on the short and long term health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding. More workshops, support and media coverage on how to do it properly. Educating the public will help prevent negative feelings and ignorance surrounding breastfeeding in public. More support for single mothers who lack the necessary networks and facilities to breastfeed.
Why should there be support?
Because of the well-researched health benefits that will in the long term prove cost-effective, saving the government billions (e.g. breastfeeding prevents obesity. Obesity is linked to diabetes which currently costs the government 14 billion to treat).
So why not learn the correct techniques to breast or combine feed?
