With August being National Breastfeeding Month. Lansinoh is sharing their 2015 Global Breastfeeding Survey. Women around the globe were surveyed about their breastfeeding practices and attitudes around breastfeeding in public.
Some notable findings include:
- Ninety-six percent of women worldwide agree that breastfeeding is the best way to feed their children but many still struggle to breastfeed for what they believe to be the ideal amount of time.
- Sixty-seven percent of moms and moms-to-be in the United States believe that breastfeeding in public is perfectly natural.
- Twenty-five percent of women in the United States say they have been openly criticized or experienced prejudice while breastfeeding in public.
A fun fact from the survey is that nearly three in four women interviewed said they would feel more confident about breastfeeding if celebrities were spotted out and about breastfeeding in public. Women in Brazil were most likely to say this would influence them (75%), while women in France were least likely to be influenced by celebrity behavior (37%). The most admired celebrity moms globally were Shakira and Kate Middleton.
Read more and see all the survey result here.
Sue M. says
This is very interesting information from the survey; I personally wouldn’t be influenced by what celebrities do, they’re just like everyone else, IMO. Thanks for posting this~
Sandy Klocinski says
While breastfeeding is the most “natural” method, we all need to be aware that it is not possible for everyone and not be judgmental. I breast fed my daughter for the first six weeks and gave her one bottle every day because I knew that when I went back to work I was going to transition her to a bottle. Never had a problem with her taking either the breast or the bottle and she did well on both.
Sarah L says
Never had kids, but think breastfeeding is good for women who can do it.
Lisa Wells says
Breastfeeding absolutely should be encouraged, but if the mother does not wish to do it, or if she is unable to for some reason (as my sister-in-law was), the professionals and well-meaning family/friends need to BACK OFF. It is ultimately the mother’s choice, and she should never be made to feel guilty or inadequate for the path she chooses (or, in the case of being unable to nurse, the path nature has chosen for her). Yes, breastmilk IS best in nearly all cases, and yes, it does save money for the parents; but many, MANY babies did just fine on formula and parents should NEVER be shamed for choosing that alternative, as it IS formulated to very closely resemble the makeup of breast milk.