There are so many reasons to know that breastfeeding makes sense. Today it is making news because it saves cents - that is, a tremendous amount of money and much more importantly babies' lives.
It can be challenging, it can be difficult and much more so when a woman is without sufficient educational resources and emotional support. I had all of that and still had moments of wondering whether or not I could keep going. There are a lot of myths about it out there. But the solid evidence showing the benefits of breastfeeding made it easier for me push through the hard times.
There are many people who recoil at encouragement to breastfeed siting 'militant' women who insist it is the only way, often making mothers feel guilty if they had trouble. What to feed our children is an intensely personal decision that effects their health, their future nutrition choices and our finances. My point is that, rarely does a mom experience absolutely no challenges during the nursing time (which can stretch well into toddler years.) So let's support those mothers through the challenges instead of immediately pointing to the "more convenient" alternatives. (I never thought bottle feeding was at all convenient - mixing, heating, carrying it with me; what a hassle.)
As a community, we ought to recognize our own stakes in the health and well being of our children. I hope those involved with pregnant women will do everything they can to encourage the natural, loving act of breastfeeding.
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