There's been controversy swarming over the new government program in NYC that is promoting breastfeeding by eliminating the formula swag bag you get in the hospital. I'm not even going to discuss the marketing ploy by the formula companies that so many people seem to be rallying behind as the reason. Let's focus on actually promoting breastfeeding. 'Cause really - we all know when we are getting free stuff in hopes for brand loyalty down the road. We all get that.
So let's talk about how we can really promote breastfeeding. If the breast is truly best, then...
Why don't we have a PAID maternity leave in the good ole USofA? I think that would be a great place to start. Covering my job for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under FMLA - with easy loop holes for your employer to still can you - doesn't cut the mustard. In California, mothers are covered for up to 4 week prior and up to 8 week post child birth under state disability. But not all mothers qualify. In 2004, California also launched the Paid Family Leave Act which gives another 6 weeks of disability for mothers (and fathers) but does not provide any job protection. I have yet to meet a dad that participated because of it.
Why are lactation consultants not covered in insurance? I never saw a lactation consultant. The $70/hr fee was too much for me. Thankfully, my mom (a public health nurse) stepped in and helped me every step of the way. But if you want to promote breastfeeding, then you need to promote supporting mothers while they figure it out. And having us shell out that kinda dough, well, that's pretty dumb.
Where is the support for working mothers? In California, employers have to provide lactation rooms to their working mothers. Most states don't have this policy. But providing the room is really a joke if you work at a company that doesn't support families. Breastfeeding and working are not an easy combination. I was a perfect BF'ing mother until I returned to work. And my expensive $300 pump didn't make things easier. I had no support from my employer to breastfeed. Four months after returning to work, I did not have a large enough milk supply to exclusively breastfeed and my child was not solely on solid foods. The only choice was to supplent with formula.
Where's the breastfeeding swag? If you aren't gonna cover formula supplies, at least arm every woman with a nipple shield, ice packs, and some nursing pads. Come on, breastfeeding supplies aren't cheap. Oh, and it you throw in that $300 Pump In Style, I'm sure more moms would be really to give it a try. Seriously folks. If you think that giving formula is gonna sway women to supplement with it, why aren't we giving away stuff that makes breastfeeding easier? Or at least more fun.
