Barriers to Successful Breastfeeding | Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but many mothers face significant barriers that make successful breastfeeding more difficult.

Common challenges include lack of breastfeeding knowledge and skills, especially for first-time mothers. Misleading formula milk advertising can also cause confusion, leading some mothers to underestimate the benefits of breast milk and choose formula instead.

Work-related pressure and unsupportive workplace environments often force mothers to stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended. In addition, unnecessary medical interventions in hospitals—such as separating mother and baby or introducing bottle feeding too early—can interfere with the establishment of effective breastfeeding and reduce the chances of exclusive breastfeeding.

To make breastfeeding easier and more accessible, support is needed not only from mothers but also from hospitals, healthcare providers, workplaces, and government policies. Many hospitals are now adopting the “Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative,” which promotes early breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and minimizes unnecessary interventions to support breastfeeding success.

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