Breast or Bottle — The Illusion of Choice
- The question was always posed to me in a hurried manner, an item on a long checklist that the obstetrician, labor and delivery nurse, and pediatrician all needed to get through: “Will you breast or bottle feed?”
A Common Topic
Breastfeeding is a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years, with many healthcare providers encouraging new mothers to breastfeed their infants. However, the reality is that only about 25% of women in the US exclusively breastfeed for the recommended period. The author of this article struggled with breastfeeding her son, despite being encouraged to continue by her pediatrician. This struggle has been linked to higher rates of postpartum depression, which the author eventually started medication for anxiety and depression and stopped breastfeeding.
Anxieties of Breastfeeding
The author is now pregnant again and anxious about the decision to breastfeed or use formula. The article discusses the illusion of choice between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding for new mothers. The author, a physician, initially chose to breast-feed based on medical recommendations. However, she struggled with breast-feeding and received conflicting advice from lactation consultants. Her son was underweight and she was advised to triple-feed (breast-feed, pump, and formula feed) every 3 hours.
The author became obsessed with keeping detailed logs and searching for solutions online. She felt ashamed of her struggles and the pain she experienced with latching. The article highlights the pressure on new mothers to breast-feed and the lack of support and resources available. The variability of each parent and child’s journey should be recognized and supported.
Policies
Sources cited include a policy statement on breastfeeding and the use of human milk, a breastfeeding report card from the CDC, and studies on the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum depression. The article also references other studies and policies related to women’s health and access to abortion services.
Conclusion
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for better support and resources for new mothers, and the importance of recognizing and addressing health inequities. The author encourages healthcare providers to take a more patient-centered approach to breastfeeding recommendations. The variability of each parent and child’s journey should be recognized and supported.