Breast milk, the best of fast food. Why moms stop breastfeeding early

The nutritional and psychological surplus value of breast milk is indisputable. However, in practice, mothers stop breastfeeding after a few weeks. What is it that makes them stop?

It has become fashionable for women to be photographed at the time of breastfeeding. Smiling, confident that they do something unique. It has now become conscious of the new generation of mothers that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. Are intentions good, but are they reflected in reality?

"The best baby food"

Experts have a different view. "Breast milk is the best for the child and in the meantime everyone knows it," says the nursing commissioner of the German Association of Obstetricians Alend von Garchen, in view of World Breast Day (02.-08.10). And then comes the big but: "But many mothers after a few weeks stop breastfeeding, as shown by statistics." The World Health Organization recommends the infant's exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then combining breast milk with baby food until the child becomes two years old. Breast milk is now considered the best food for babies, while reinforcing the child's relationship with the mother. Both benefit from breastfeeding: the baby reduces the risk of viral infections, allergies and asthma.

The reasons that motivate mothers to stop breastfeeding are associated with minimal realistic ideas about life with a baby and the fatigue that is always associated with early childbirth. But there is also a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding, both from the point of view of the mother and her surroundings. However, it is clear that the bases for successful breastfeeding are already in the hospital after birth. "But proper tracking is not a given," says von Garchen. During motherhood, mothers feel great weight because everything is new. Compulsory baby examinations and anxiety if they do all well. There is also great uncertainty as to whether the baby is normally getting weight. Thus mothers prefer to give a bottle to control the quantity.

Breastfeeding in public space? Why not;

Negative to breastfeeding can also affect the environment. According to a recent study on behalf of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, breastfeeding in public places does not usually harm the mother. But one in four respondents is confronted with divided feelings. One in 10 even declared the rejection of breastfeeding in the public sector, especially in cafes and restaurants.