Like so many aspects of parenting, when it comes to feeding your baby, there are a lot of options, a lot of opinions and a lot to think about. The bottom line is that you as a parent, along with your pediatrician, are most qualified to make the best decision for your child. Having as much information as possible is a huge help because there is no “one size fits all” feeding solution that works for every mother and child.

When it comes to the breast feeding versus bottle feeding decision, there is a lot to consider. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for one year or as long as mutually desired by the mother and child.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s Breastfeeding Report Card for 2014, breastfeeding rates in the US continue to rise. “Of infants born in 2011, 49% were breastfeeding at 6 months and 27% at 12 months.” The 2014 statistics for Massachusetts support this – 53.7% of infants breastfed at 6 months and 24.9% at 12 months. This comparison shows that long-term breastfeeding as recommended by the AAP, however, still has a ways to go.

The truth is that it can be a challenge to meet the AAP’s recommendation to breast feed long term. Factors such as working outside the home, the availability of support within the home, access to lactation consultants, the mother’s health and activity level, among many others have a real impact on the feasibility of breastfeeding, not to mention the mother’s feelings about nursing.

That being said, if your preference is to breastfeed as long as possible, it can be done, but it requires information, preparation and organization.

Information and Support Are Everything

Ironically, something as natural as breastfeeding does not always come naturally. Unless you grew up in an environment where breastfeeding is the norm, which is not the case for many women in the United States, you may know nothing about “latching on”, positioning, techniques to support your milk supply or even what to expect.
Getting accurate information about breastfeeding and surrounding yourself with support is key. The good news is that this is easier now than it was for mothers twenty or more years ago.

To that end, use the time before your child’s birth to prepare by following the steps below:

• Work with a breastfeeding-friendly pediatrician – The AAP document “How Can I Find A Breastfeeding Friendly Medical Practice” can help you identify the right pediatric practice for your needs.
• Find a Le Leche League Near You – Le Leche League can connect you with local support groups. You will need as much support and information as possible once your baby arrives, so having access to a Lactation Consultant and other nursing moms is a huge benefit.
• Discuss your needs with your employer – To maintain your milk supply and create a surplus that travels with your child, you will need to use a breast pump regularly. If you plan to work outside the home after your baby’s arrival, this will take some advance planning. Have an honest discussion with your manager or Human Resources Department about the accommodations available, such as an office or private room. Some women may feel uncomfortable initiating this discussion, but it’s important to know your options beforehand.
• Find breastfeeding-friendly childcare – According to the CDC, “In the U.S., about half of infants are routinely cared for by someone other than a parent.” Childcare providers, then, are critical in supporting your decision to breastfeed. When looking for a childcare provider, ask what breastfeeding accommodations they offer. In our Brookline childcare center, for example, mothers working nearby may to stop in to nurse or drop off a daily supply of labeled, frozen breast milk with their child. On the whole, breastfeeding-friendly childcare centers are willing to work with you on this.
• Line up support at home – Whether you have other children or you are expecting your first, having support at home is critical for long term breast feeding. It takes a good amount of energy for your body to produce milk, so an extra pair of hands around the house, to prepare meals, do laundry, take over late night feedings, etc makes a big difference. Before your baby’s arrival, have a conversation with your spouse, partner or adult family member about tasks they can take on to help.
• Find out what you need – Nursing moms have very specific needs when it comes to sleep, hydration, diet, nutrition, etc. Your Ob/Gyn and Lactation Consultant are good sources of information on what your body needs for long term breastfeeding. Being a mother is a lot of work, but don’t forget to care for your own needs. Your children are better off when you do.

With some advance planning and preparation, it really is possible to breastfeed as long as you want. If you work outside the home or have other children, it can be more challenging, but can be done.

Remember, whatever your choice about breastfeeding, whether you nurse long term, integrate formula into your baby’s diet at some point, or don’t breast feed at all, you know your body, your baby, your family and your life’s demands better than anyone. You can do this.

Author's Bio: 

Gladys Ruiz is the Director of Little Children Schoolhouse in Brookline, MA. After more than 10 years working in Early Childhood Education, Gladys opened the Little Children Schoolhouse to provide a nurturing, loving environment—an extension of her student’s home and family life—in Brookline. Pre-K, Preschool and Daycare programs for toddlers and infants include extra activities, such as weekly music, yoga, cooking, science activities, and field trips. Both full day and part-time enrollment are available.