Risks of Not Breastfeeding and
Strategies to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding
for the First Six Months
Mary Kay Linge
Staten Island NY USA
Report from the 2005 LLLI Conference
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 22 No. 5, September-October 2005, p. 208
Michal A. Young, a neonatologist at Howard University College of Medicine, took an active role in the
recent controversy over the breastfeeding public service ads that were modified at the behest of the formula
industry. She offered an inside perspective on the ideas behind the ad campaign and a way to move forward
during her session, "Risks of Not Breastfeeding and Strategies to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding for
the First Six Months."
Dr. Young observed that too many pediatricians "give lip service" to the American Academy of
Pediatrics' standards, which recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The original
ad campaign would have pointed out more of the health risks of formula feeding, including an increased risk of
diabetes and increased rates of childhood cancer. "We need to be able to say without hesitation that
artificial baby milk is inferior to human milk," she said emphatically. "This thought should just
roll off our tongues. Why breastfeed? To keep your child from getting sick and dying."
Focus groups found that mothers-to-be are more likely to consider breastfeeding when they hear about the
risks of formula, Young said. Researchers concluded that the proposed ad campaign didn't make women who had
chosen to formula-feed their babies feel guilty; rather, it made them feel angry that their doctors had never
told them about the risks of that choice. Looking on the bright side, Young said that the ad campaign fight
forced breastfeeding advocates to pull all their research together. It's clearer now than ever before that,
"It is criminal to not inform mothers of the risks," she said.
"Changing society's attitudes toward breastfeeding is a challenge," Young commented. It calls
for education, practical instruction, and emotional support for new mothers. When she talks with women about
breastfeeding, Young said she is sure to bring up such benefits as quicker postpartum weight loss and the sense
of pride that comes from nourishing baby with mother's milk. "You have to walk it with them," she said
of the counseling process. "You never know what will encourage a mother to breastfeed."
Young said that negative attitudes from other women discourage many young mothers from breastfeeding.
"Keep at it," Dr. Young advised breastfeeding counselors. "I always say, ‘This is your baby. You want less than the best for your baby? Your choice.’"
Big business may have undone the ad campaign, but nothing can stop committed advocates from spreading the word about the risks of not breastfeeding.
Last updated Wednesday, October 25, 2006 by njb.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:30:42 UTC 2007.
