Talking to Pregnant Women about Breastfeeding: A Poll
The other day at a 5-year-old’s birthday party I chatted with another one of the mothers, who was also due with her third baby. She was going in for a scheduled cesarean section in two more days. We had a lovely chat for nearly an hour as the kids played at the indoor play area. During that time, though, I couldn’t decide whether or not to ask the woman if she planned to breastfeed. As a breastfeeding counselor, I have tips on breastfeeding after a cesarean, and I could give her my phone number to call, and I could direct her to local support groups. Somehow, though, it just didn’t seem appropriate. Maybe because it was her third child? If she was going to formula-feed, I wasn’t going to change her mind, and if she was planning on breastfeeding she probably already knew what worked for her after her last cesarean.
I’m curious: Do you ask pregnant women if they plan to breastfeed? Why or why not? Leave a comment!
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POSTED IN: activism, breastfeeding, poll, pregnancy
8 opinions for Talking to Pregnant Women about Breastfeeding: A Poll
Formula Versus Breast Milk: Poll Results
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:04 am
[...] vote in the new poll! Tags: artificial-milk, breast milk, breastfeeding, exclusive-breastfeeding, formula, lactation, [...]
Maria
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:47 am
It definitely depends on how well I know the person. I would ask my friends and such, but I would be far more cautious about asking someone I am aquainted with. If I barely know the person at all, I’d probably bust out and ask. Odd combination, but I also find myself assuming people are going to breastfeed.
Half Pint Pixie
Feb 8, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Depends on how I know them. Everyone who knows me pretty much knows I’m pro-breastfeeding, so they wouldn’t be surprised if I asked! But I haven’t known that many preggie women yet. What I normally do is say something like “if you need any advice or help with breastfeeding I can lend you some of my books or give your some good contact numbers”.
I have one friend, who is normally very pro-bfing as is her hubbie, (she’s not pregnant yet though) tell me that she plans to bottlefeed and really doesn’t want to breastfeed, all you can really do in this situation unless you know the person really well is leave an avenue open for them to talk if it’s something they want to talk about later. The fact that I’m still bfing my 15 month old is handy, as I can say something about how it’s great for calming her or similar and it’s not an intrusive comment just a personal observation which often gets people interested and asking more.
FireMom
Feb 9, 2008 at 8:12 am
It really depends on how I know them. My best friend? Yeah. She got all of my books. My good friend in this town? We discussed it prior and supported each other. A few other ladies? Yes, I offered up my services. But otherwise? I’m VERY shy and don’t delve into personal topics at all.
Eilat
Feb 9, 2008 at 8:55 am
I wont ask directly, but Ill drop hints at the subject, like “Oh, the first few days are a blur. All I remember is nursing and sleeping.” Or “I miss having a newborn, my son is ??? old now and I really miss the bonding from nursing.”
You know, that sort of thing where I open the door and let the other person decide if they want to go in.
I do the same thing re natural childbirth. I dont ask if they plan on using an epidural or anything, I just mention that I labored in a whirlpool which gets them asking questions and then I mention the midwife and the birthing center. It usually goes over very well.
Shannon @ some fine taters
Feb 10, 2008 at 7:05 am
As a volunteer breastfeeding counselor I tell pregnant & new moms what I do, inform them about our meetings, and let them know they can call me with breastfeeding questions. If I was paid for my breastfeeding work I would probably be less forthcoming as it would feel too much like soliciting business.
Cairo Mama
Feb 12, 2008 at 7:04 am
I usually say,”I don’t know if you are planning on breastfeeding or not, but if you are you should know about the Lactation Center…”
Then they usually say,”Yes I am going to breastfeed,” or “I haven’t decided” or “No, I am going to bottle feed.”
I try to say things in a positive, happy tone so it comes across as informative not judgmental. I think it is good to let people know about local resources before they deliver and encourage them to check out the resources BEFORE they have problems. Many first time moms don’t know where the local resources are or don’t think about contacting them before the birth. I think different groups/personalities work better with different people and it is much better to find your match before you have a problem.
Even if the person has other children or you don’t know them that well, it is worth saying something. A person may be on the fence and a small word of encouragement, even from a stranger can help.
In most cases, if you are respectful in passing on information it will help.
Lauree
Feb 15, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I learned at a breastfeeding seminar that rather than ask if a mom plans to breastfeed, ask for her thoughts on breastfeeding. That way it isn’t just a yes or no, and it gives you the chance to help her with her concerns and offer support.
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