When breast isn't best
Three mothers on why they quit breastfeeding, and the stigma that followed
Breastfeeding is highly recommended for babies the world over and in many countries it's seen as a mother's duty. No wonder, then, that women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed can feel ashamed, inadequate, or even irresponsible.
But it turns out that these women are actually the majority. According to figures from the World Health Organisation only 41 per cent of babies are exclusively breastfed for their first 6 months.
Two mothers tell us what they put themselves through to try to exclusively breastfeed their children and what finally drove them to throw in the towel, and another mum explains why she never even started.
They tell us whether they were supported or vilified by friends, family and health professionals, and what their breastfeeding struggles did to their self-esteem.
Plus, we ask whether exclusive breastfeeding is the preserve of the world’s wealthier classes, and whether it’s possible for mums to earn a living without turning to the bottle.
(Picture: A child drinking a bottle of milk. Credit: Getty Images)
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Clips
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My husband didn't like me breastfeeding in public
Duration: 00:55
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Why I quit breastfeeding
Duration: 03:10
Broadcasts
- Thu 21 Mar 2019 03:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service UK DAB/Freeview, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa only
- Thu 21 Mar 2019 05:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
- Thu 21 Mar 2019 11:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except West and Central Africa
- Thu 21 Mar 2019 21:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Thu 21 Mar 2019 23:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Sun 24 Mar 2019 08:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
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