08/26/2023
This was written by my friend, Linda Smith IBCLC in 1986. Much of it holds true still.
“Here's a short piece I wrote on the spur of the moment on a typewriter (remember those?) back in 1986. Snarky, for sure...
HOW TO MAKE BREASTFEEDING DIFFICULT
1. Tell the mother to "feed on a 4 hour schedule" or "get the baby on a schedule." This results in a low milk supply and a hungry, frustrated baby and frustrated parents. Be sure to blame the crying on breastfeeding.
2. Be sure to "get the baby used to a bottle." This can result in a confused baby who refuses the breast. It's also a great way to lower the milk supply and undermine the mother's confidence.
3. Tell her she doesn't have enough milk if:
"The baby wants to nurse again after only 2 3 hours"...OR
"The baby will take 2 ounces of formula after nursing"...OR
"Your breasts aren't full and uncomfortable all the time"
Since milk supply insecurity is the primary cause of lactation failure, this will introduce an element of doubt and fear to the whole process.
4. Tell her she can't or shouldn't nurse if:
"She wants to eat chocolate (or Mexican food or cabbage, etc.)"...OR
"She smokes or wants to take medication"...OR
"She's going back to work/school in a few weeks"....OR
"She wants to go out in public...nursing requires privacy"...OR
"Her breasts are too small (or large)"...OR
"Her mother couldn't"...OR
"She's too nervous"... etc., etc., etc.
Find as many reasons for NOT breastfeeding as you can, and look for ANY reason to interrupt it. Put as much distance between mother and baby as possible.
5. "Dad should give the baby a bottle or he'll feel left out." This is another good way to minimize the importance of breastfeeding.
6. Tell her it may hurt to breastfeed, and that sore, cracked ni***es are normal. Pain is an excellent adverse stimulus. Don't teach her how to position the baby correctly. Do give her a ni**le shield, give the baby lots of bottles to disrupt the proper suck, and tell her to rub her ni***es with a rough towel to "condition" them.
7. Tell her to give the baby formula, glucose water and cereal right from the beginning, to make the baby sleep. This is another good way to insure inadequate milk supply.
8. Tell her that her milk might be too rich or too thin. This will further shatter her confidence. And be sure to tell her every "horror story" you've ever heard about breastfeeding.
9. Separate her from her baby at birth, and show by your actions that water, formula, pacifiers, and scheduled feedings are the appropriate way to care for the baby. Since she is especially vulnerable at this time and will follow your example, be sure to tell her how little breastfeeding matters.
10. Don't teach her the normal course of infant behavior. Don't warn her about growth spurts and frequency days. Don't call or visit her, and be sure to leave her alone in the critical first two weeks.
11. Give her plenty of formula samples to take home to further weaken her confidence. Make sure the literature you give her has many references to formula, and doesn't tell her how to keep her milk supply up.
All these tactics, individually or collectively, will discourage breastfeeding.
© Linda J. Smith, 1986, 1998”
