Barriers to breastfeeding and what we can do about them

Beyond the perception of ‘low milk supply, there are many other commonly reported reasons for not initiating, limiting or ceasing breastfeeding.

In this article, we’ll explore a number of other barriers to breastfeeding and consider how these barriers may be addressed. For example, consider the following statements.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill

“Because breastfeeding is natural, I thought it was something I should be able to do easily. I had no idea that it was something both my baby and I had to learn to do.”

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It’s common to find breastfeeding hard

“I really hadn’t thought about breastfeeding as an option before I had my baby. I talked with my mum and assumed I’d do what she had done for me and start my baby from the first days on infant formula.”

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Parent education

Education on establishing milk supply

“I came home from hospital with infant formula provided by the hospital, so I assumed that this was considered to be a healthy choice for my baby.”

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The World Health Organisation (WHO)

Supplying new mothers with infant formula

“I feel uncomfortable breastfeeding – it seems that many people in my life don’t really approve of me feeding in public.”

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It’s true that many women feel they are not well supported by partners, friends, family and, indeed, their workplace or the broader community.

Breastfeeding in public

It’s also very common for women to experience negative social comments when they breastfeed in public places, and it can be difficult to find somewhere private to feed. Many women report breastfeeding in the toilet to avoid harsh scrutiny.

Not surprisingly, these challenges are often given as a reason for stopping breastfeeding or for introducing infant formula.