As a psychology student and a breastfeeding counsellor the
opportunity to attend a seminar merging these two interests (boobs and brains
as a friend indelicately put it) was far too good to pass up. Abigail
Locke is a visiting social psychologist from Huddersfield University in the UK,
and presented her findings from a recent study exploring the tensions, expectations and realistic advice
in early breastfeeding. Abigail’s
paper included interviews from 12 mothers with recent infant feeding
experiences. Abigail’s study used
discursive methods, analysing the conversations for common themes and
interactions in the various experiences of mothers.
Each of the 12 mothers had been positive about breastfeeding
during their pregnancies, and expected to breastfeed. They articulated the knowledge that
breastfeeding was great for babies and mothers and breastmilk was nutritionally
superior. By six weeks, almost half had switched
to infant formula, in line with the UKs national statistics. So, what happened in those early weeks that
challenged the decisions of these capable, educated, financially stable women? A few themes emerged. Many suggested that in hindsight they may
have had an unrealistic idea of what breastfeeding would be like,
underestimated the challenges, or did not have a plan for how to get through
issues that did arise. Abigail suggested
that there is a discrepancy between expectations of motherhood wrapped up in
the adage ‘breast is best’ and the realities of success – reflected in the significant change
in breastfeeding figures between initiation and six weeks. In the face of the compelling evidence in
favour of breastmilk and breastfeeding, the vast majority of women see
breastfeeding as the informed choice.
However for many mothers, NOT breastfeeding becomes a necessity when
baby comes along, and issues become overwhelming. We talk of “choice” but is either a
choice? Are these mothers prepared by
their community for the realities of breastfeeding and the significant changes
a woman goes through in the early weeks of her baby’s life?
Abigail suggested there is a tension between competing feminist
themes. One ‘side’ tends to send the
message of the ‘total mother’ who embraces everything there is about being a
woman, taking control of her body and her womanhood and feeding her baby
herself. Many of us can identify with
this discourse. The competing feminist
theme is the one that tells us that it is our right to choose how to feed our
babies, to not be tied down by being a mother, equal sharing of responsibility
of raising children with our partners and pursuing equal participation in
careers and society. Many of us identify
with this also. Many of these conflicting
sources of identity and practise enter our lives about the same time as the new
baby and early weeks of this new adventure.
It’s where the rubber of feminist theory (and many other theories and
preconceived ideas) meet the road of real life.
As a LLL Leader, I am encouraged that La Leche League
provides a positive environment that does address issues raised by Abigail for
many women. During her study, Abigail
herself had offered these women an incredible gift. She listened to their stories, offered them time
and space to discuss their breastfeeding journeys; something we do regularly at
meetings. As a peer support
organisation, La Leche League is a place where breastfeeding is valued, but
realities are shared. Stories,
challenges and decisions are accepted and endorsed. Many mothers continue to
find support and encouragement long after the breastfeeding relationship has
ended and if breastfeeding doesn’t work out as they had hoped for. Considering how much time and energy we spend
talking about breastfeeding, I often wonder where mothers go to share their
experiences of infant feeding when breastfeeding doesn’t work out especially if
this was important to them. How do they come to terms with this in positive
ways, address their feelings of loss, or confusion or understanding about what
went awry. We all need to talk, in
varying ways and amounts, and maybe more so when it has not worked out. Abigail’s studies highlighted the importance
of peer support, of talking and encouraging and acknowledging people where they
are at.
Motherhood challenges so much of our identity. We question how we were parented, how we want
to parent our children, who we are as women, mothers, and how we participate in
our community. LLL continues to be an
organisation that offers support and information to women to enable them to
make choices that are right for them and their family. If that choice is being the primary nurturer
for her family, or to share that more equally, or to work outside the home, or be
devoted to an intense career, or somewhere in between, the aim of La Leche
League is to facilitate mother to mother support and the sharing of positive
ideas between women to endorse and encourage each other on their parenting
journey. La Leche League acknowledges
and respects the realities of real women in their real lives - and for many
women all around the world that often includes mixing family life and work life. Improving outcomes for women in their daily
lives is surely a goal of any positive feminist pursuit.
Many of the mothers in the study felt that they had
unrealistic expectations of breastfeeding, and were unprepared by health
messages that did not outline common problems.
La Leche League works particularly well when mothers participate in
meetings during pregnancy, to see mothers breastfeed, and hear mothers talk of
breastfeeding challenges and solutions certainly. In this way expectant mothers connect with
other mothers at various stages of breastfeeding. They hear realistic presentations of breastfeeding,
the joys and challenges, and possibilities for positive solutions to issues
that may arise.
I was particularly encouraged by Abigail’s professional
fascination with these parents and their early experiences of infant feeding. I love hearing mother’s stories, I love
facilitating the shared experiences and
solutions between mothers at varying stages of breastfeeding and parenting, and
encouragement, endorsement and empowerment this gives to women. I think it really is the only way a choice
can really be a choice, rather than the removal of a choice, such as is the
case in so many breastfeeding experiences.
With support, information and preparation women can make the choices
that are right for their families.
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