Why Breastfeeders Quit
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There was a very interesting report in the journal Pediatrics that took a look at breastfeeding.
75% of all new moms try breastfeeding. Yet, only 13% ultimately maintain breastfeeding for the doctor-recommended 6-months duration. So, what happens?
According to research, 92 % of new mothers had at least one concern about breastfeeding three days after delivery. The most frequent concern at day three was difficulty with infant breastfeeding, followed by breastfeeding pain and milk quantity. Women with difficult infant feeding at 1 week postpartum were most likely to stop breastfeeding.
Overall, concerns about breastfeeding among first-time moms appear to be quite common. This is the time when more than fifty percent will stop breastfeeding. Addressing these concerns in the first few days after delivery may help more of these new moms reach their breastfeeding goals.
