What can you do? You can seek out and help educate employers within your area. You can provide data that includes the direct costs for moms who breastfeed versus those who formula feed. You can also work with your employer during your pregnancy and have everything set to go once you return to work.
Formula Ads Adversely Affect Breastfeeding
Everywhere you look, formula is pushed on new moms (but not on pregnancy.org!). You see it online shopping for maternity clothes. The ads entice moms to enter a drawing to win a year's worth of formula. When you give birth, you'll receive a sponsored bag full of formula samples and coupons. Cruise the web for breastfeeding advice and you'll find formula company ads that pretend to be all about breastfeeding.
What can you do? If you can, give birth in a baby-friendly hospital. Push nationally for compliance with the WHO International Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes. Support businesses and companies that uphold WHO compliance (like pregnancy.org!).
Encouraging Your Community to Support Breastfeeding
Positive peer pressure and breastfeeding role models promote breastfeeding at a personal and societal level. When you see another mom nursing her baby, your comfort level goes up. If the predominant public image that appears in magazines, on TV and in movies highlights breastfeeding, then it becomes the norm and those who chose to nurse face less discrimination.
What can you do? You can breastfeed in public if you're a nursing mom. You can smile at and encourage other moms when they're breastfeeding. You can support breastfeeding dolls, clothing and books.
What are other issues facing breastfeeding mothers? What do you think individuals can do about it? We'd love to hear your ideas!
