There's a weird disconnect in the way we talk about breastfeeding. It's treated as a lifestyle choice, as though it weren't vitally important to a baby's health and well-being.

For example, in this article in The Phoenix, Dr. Mary Jane Cadieux says that one of the most important decisions a new mother faces is whether she will breast feed. True!

She then lists several reasons why breastfeeding is "beneficial" for babies:

Breast milk reduces the risk of infections in the gastrointestinal, urinary and respiratory tracts, lowers the rate of ear infections and protects against allergies, diabetes and later in life, obesity.
Other important medical findings regarding breastfeeding include:
· Babies' intelligence has been linked to being breastfed - those who were breastfed were smarter.
· Higher pain relief and reduced stress levels have been found in breastfed babies.
· Breastfeeding helps build stronger bones for babies.
· Breast milk has higher levels of good cholesterol in it, which is essential for proper growth and development.

She leaves out that it also creates a secure bond with the mother that translates into secure attachments throughout life.

So, with all this evidence of the importance of breastfeeding, why is it always discussed as simply one option for mothers?

I realize that breastfeeding advocates don't want to alienate women, or make those who didn't nurse feel criticized. But, if a mother doesn't want her children vaccinated, she can face legal action. If she doesn't choose to keep her child clothed and fed, he can be taken away from her. Why does she get to decide to withhold the most important thing a mother can give her baby?

Comments

[Caroline]

Why is breastfeeding a choice? Hmm, let's see. First, some women physically can't make it work. Some jobs (like mine) aren't terribly conducive to it and some are just impossible. And, in case you haven't had kids of your own, just know that it is incredibly stressful, especially in those early sleep deprivation days with a tiny one. For some women, the stress of breastfeeding is more than they can take and may mean the difference between being able to cope or not. Some dads want to take the night shift - not possible unless bottle feeding - and some families just can't stop and drop everything because junior wants to eat, which is what b.f. requires. So before mandating breastfeeding for everyone, think about it for a minute.

[Susan Kuchinskas]

I certainly realize that taking care of a baby can be extremely stressful and demanding, although I don't have children myself. I chose not to, because I didn't want to make that commitment.

I didn't mean to be mandating breastfeeding so much as examining how much of a tradeoff we should make between a baby's developmental health and the rest of life. It certainly was more of a tradeoff than I wanted to make in my own life.

If nursing a baby, one of the most oxytocin-rich experiences possible to a human, seems stressful ...

[Rob O'Connell]

Caroline - for you and the cases you mention it is not a choice, so I would the question Susan posed does not apply. For the people for whom it's a viable option - then I agree it should be considered in the same league as vaccination etc. as mentioned. For my wife and I, the "choice" is clear. The hard part will be for my wife, but I will be helping as best I can.

[Susan Kuchinskas]

well said, Rob. Clearly there are cases where it's not a choice. The question remains, where do we draw the line between having choice and choosing not to.