Breastfeeding has been around for as long as we have existed. We are also more aware than ever of the health benefits of it for baby and mom. And yet, in many parts of the world, there are still a lot of taboos around breastfeeding – signalling a need for more support for moms and dads to parent and feed their way.
This World Breastfeeding Week (celebrated from 1 – 7 August), Philips asked more than 6,000 women across 25 countries* what holds them back from breastfeeding their babies any time, and anywhere they want to. Philips says the survey was held as a way for the brand to better understand some of the challenges breastfeeding parents face when feeding their babies, and support and empower them to parent and feed their way.
Philips says the survey was conducted with 6,453 women across 25 countries globally in February 2022 via Philips Pregnancy + App. Find the baby+ and pregnancy+ app free on the Google Play or Apple App store.
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Breastfeeding in public – still not considered ‘normal’
The results show there’s still work to be done to support and empower moms in their choice to breastfeed in public. According to the information collected, around two-thirds (66%) of moms globally say they would feel more confident and comfortable breastfeeding in public if it was considered ‘normal’. Feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable to breastfeed around people they don’t know, is the key reason (52%) of women feel too hesitant to consider breastfeeding in public. The results also reveal many moms (40%) would not consider pumping in public, rising to 69% in France and dropping to 17% in the USA.
The results vary across cultures and countries, and breastfeeding and expressing in public is not something every mom wishes to do. At Philips, we recognise every breastfeeding journey is unique and personal to parent and baby; there is no right or wrong way. Parents may choose to feed their baby directly from mom’s breast, with expressed milk, or both, or between formula bottles. Some may choose to feed in public or in the comfort of their own home. Whatever their choice, there are solutions available that support each of these choices.
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Moms should feel they have the ‘right’
The results go on to reveal that while the biggest motivator for moms globally to breastfeed in public is being able to feed their babies as soon as they need it (59%), almost half (47%) globally say having the ‘right’ to breastfeed in public would also motivate them to do so, rising to 57% in Austria and Canada and dropping to 31% in South-Africa.
Only through greater breastfeeding awareness, encouraging breastfeeding policy change, and creating more supportive communities around moms that empower them to feed their way, will more people start to recognise and promote breastfeeding as the basic human right it actually is.
Moms deserve greater support
Added to this, many moms say greater overall support from others would help them feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public, with this being true for almost a third of moms in the USA (33%), Spain and Mexico (both 30%). Meanwhile, greater partner support would help for many in Colombia (41%), Mexico and Chile (both 40%), compared to fewer in Austria (17%) and Germany (13%). These figures go a long way to indicate many moms would love to see society’s overall understanding and perception of breastfeeding shift from something inappropriate or unnecessary to one of the most natural, fundamental acts of care in the world. This shift can only happen by educating more people on the value of breastfeeding, starting more conversations about it and championing parents’ choices to feed however best suits them – something that lies in all of our hands.
Philips has created an online platform, BreastStories, where parents from around the world can share their breastfeeding stories, tips, and tricks via Instagram and Facebook, as well as find breastfeeding information and advice from healthcare professionals. By downloading either the Philips Pregnancy + or Baby+ app on their mobile device, parents can also log feeding information, as well as track their baby’s development, such as their weight, height, and head circumference during the first year.
Breastfeeding can be wonderful, but it’s not always straightforward or easy for moms. Feeling comfortable is key to a positive breastfeeding experience as it makes it easier to release milk.
The best breastfeeding equipment for new parents:
If you’re a new parent, then consider investing in breastfeeding products like those from the Philips Avent range. According to Philips, the Philips Avent range draws almost 30 years of clinical experience in baby feeding to offer the solution that best meets parents’ needs.
New to the range, the Philips Avent Single Electric Breast Pump (RRP: R3,900) features Natural Motion Technology for quicker milk flow. Philips says this new product is inspired by baby, and affective for mom. The new-age breast pump invites moms to enter a new era of expressing with what Philips says is a perfect balance of suction and nipple stimulation inspired by the natural way babies drink. The Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump keeps milk flow at an optimum and gently adapts to your nipple size and shape.
The product features minimal parts and boasts an intuitive setup. The easy-to-use breast pump is fitted with a quiet motor for a discreet experience anywhere (corded use) while Pause/Play function makes using it easy and simple. The pump also offers a personalised experience with a number of setting levels as well as a memory function. The breast pump is designed to be gentle and comfortable with a one-size soft and adaptive silicone cushion.
Investing in the right breast pump for you takes a lot of research and the decision should be made carefully. Before deciding on which breast pump is the best to buy, shop around for the best price on breast pumps that will meet your needs and your budget.
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