Breastfeeding: Educating Grandmothers

With the mounting evidence that breast milk is the only thing that should be fed an infant, new mothers are starting to choose breastfeeding in record numbers. At least 70% of new mothers start breastfeeding soon after their baby is born. Yet, sadly, more than half stop breastfeeding by the time their infant reaches six months of age.

A weak link in the breastfeeding chain is lack of family support. Breastfeeding mothers hear a constant stream of misinformation from the older generation of women in their own families. The truth is, most grandmothers and great-grandmothers did not breastfeed. Those that did, did not continue for long. Babies born from the 1940s to the 1980s were lucky if they got any breast milk at all. If they did, it was common practice to supplement with formula and introduce solids when an infant was just weeks old.

It is not that the mothers in these generations were any less capable or competent than modern mothers. They were caring for their infants based on the recommendations of doctors, nurses and their peers. Formula was touted as being far superior to breast milk and breastfeeding was considered low class. They educated themselves on the best way to feed their infants. Unfortunately, all the propaganda at the time said the best way was the formula way.

I believe grandmothers and great-grandmothers have the health and well being of their grandchildren in mind. But, they are still working with their own antiquated knowledge base. The only way to combat this and increase the breastfeeding retention rates in the U.S. is to start educating grandmothers on the benefits of breastfeeding.

Take Grandma to Breastfeeding Class

Breastfeeding classes are offered at hospitals throughout the U.S. Many expectant mothers enroll in these classes and take their partners. While it is wonderful to include your partner, you should also consider taking one or both grandmothers along. Educating the older generation on breastfeeding is like educating your own personal support system. These women will be giving you advice anyway. A breastfeeding class could ensure that they will not give misinformed advice.

Pass on Breastfeeding Literature

You have read everything you could get your hands on to learn all there is to know about breastfeeding. But, has the new grandmother? Give her a book to read or pass on the breastfeeding brochures that you have picked up at the doctor's office. Once she's had a chance to read the literature, discuss it with her. An open dialogue will enable her to ask questions and give you an opportunity to reassure her.

Introduce Grandma to the Pediatrician

For those grandmothers who are extremely outspoken and still insist that a baby should be fed formula, consider a meeting with the pediatrician. Often, the older generation takes the word of a doctor as gospel. That is, after all, why they formula fed. Most pediatricians support breastfeeding and will schedule an appointment with expectant parents. Bring the soon-to-be grandmother to this appointment. A quick meeting with the doctor may be all that is needed to turn the new grandmother into a new lactivist.

It would be nice to think that all new mothers were strong enough and educated enough to stand their ground with the older generation. But, often a tired, emotional, new mother seeks reassurance and advice from her own mother or mother-in-law. A smart, expectant mother can prepare the women in her life for the breastfeeding experience. That will ensure a healthy breastfeeding relationship for both mother and baby, with higher breastfeeding retention rates for every baby.