I’ve just come across a new website called www.breastisbestunless.com which I think is a testimony of the frustration many parents experience when they keep hearing the same message from all the support organisations (“breast is best”).

There is obviously an enormous amount of research that suggests breast is indeed best for the development of a healthy baby. However there are also many mothers out there who for whatever reason cannot or do not want to breast feed. So who’s helping them when the official line of support organisations is “breast is best”? The site’s main purpose is to raise awareness that many mothers experience a different reality and need to be supported in finding alternatives to breast feeding.

The site features stories from women who couldn’t or didn’t want to breast feed and how they ended up dealing with it. Although the site is mostly geared towards women there is also a “dad’s perspective” on it which I think is great.

Fathers to the rescue
If your partner has problems breastfeeding I think this is precisely one of those moments when it is really important to step in as a father and help get things sorted. The first few days after birth can be difficult enough as it is – feeding problems can add to the already high stress levels so the sooner this is sorted the better (for mum and the baby I think). Fathers have the advantage that they can deal with the issue without being immediately involved. I.e. this may involve doing some research on alternatives or having a quiet word with the midwife / other support organisations to see what can be done. Many mums may not feel like doing this while their newborn is crying his lungs out or are simply too stressed to deal with it efficiently.

breastisbestunless.com is a little thin on actual information and advice at the moment but hopefully it’s a good start to becoming a useful resource for mums and dads who need help rather than being told repeatedly that breast is best.

-Stef

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