#USA #Asheville #Breastfeeding #Aeroflow Breastpumps #Support Resources

New Survey Reveals Challenges Facing Mothers Committed to Breastfeeding

In a new survey released by Aeroflow Breastpumps, the emphasis is on the commitment of mothers to breastfeeding amidst various hurdles they face. As part of the National Breastfeeding Month celebration, the survey highlights not just the dedication of mothers, but also the substantial gaps in support systems that often hinder their breastfeeding journeys.

Breastfeeding is frequently showcased for its myriad health benefits and serves as a bonding experience between mothers and their infants. However, many mothers report that their breastfeeding experience is not without challenges. The survey reveals that while a considerable percentage of mothers are determined to breastfeed, many are unaware of the resources and assistance available to them post-delivery. Surprisingly, only 35% of mothers felt they accessed the breastfeeding resources they desired, with 62% citing a lack of awareness about available options before childbirth.

Jennifer Jordan, the Executive Vice President of Aeroflow Breastpumps, stated, "Our findings show that moms aren't lacking commitment; they are often lacking support." This underscores a significant opportunity during National Breastfeeding Month: to celebrate the act of breastfeeding while also promoting awareness of the essential resources and insurance-covered benefits designed to assist mothers in achieving their breastfeeding goals.

Key Survey Findings:

• - Moms are dedicated to breastfeeding: A staggering 78% of mothers indicated a breastfeeding goal of at least four months, with 56% aiming to continue for seven months or longer. However, nearly 40% of those with extended goals fell short of achieving them.
• - Access to support matters: Interestingly, 57% of mothers expressed that greater access to support could have ensured they breastfed for a longer duration.
• - Postpartum assistance is underutilized: While 87% of mothers reported being offered access to a lactation consultant during their hospital stay, only 47% sought this support after returning home. Insufficient milk supply was a principal reason for discontinuing breastfeeding, a challenge that appropriate lactation support can significantly help alleviate.
• - Workplace challenges persist: Among working mothers, 79% intended to continue breastfeeding once they returned to work. Despite this commitment, only 21% reported having a workplace breastfeeding policy in place, while 44% indicated they lacked a suitable space for pumping. Alarmingly, nearly 45% of working mothers would consider changing jobs for better breastfeeding support.
• - Community and support are vital: About 74% of mothers reported that breastfeeding contributed to postpartum anxiety or stress, illustrating the imperative for ongoing education, mental health assistance, and community resources.

Jordan emphasized that support for breastfeeding should not cease once families leave the hospital. "By providing parents with resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum phases, we can empower more mothers to reach the goals they’ve established for themselves."

The survey results are part of Aeroflow Breastpumps' broader initiative dubbed "This Is Breastfeeding." This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers and to celebrate their resilience and dedication. Throughout August, the campaign will feature various educational resources, product giveaways, influencer-led content, and financial contributions to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Additionally, a series of free webinars covering breastfeeding and postpartum topics will be available via Zoom, encouraging more parents to engage with the content.

Aeroflow Breastpumps is committed to providing essential resources to mothers, offering insurance-covered breastfeeding classes, virtual lactation consultations, and a community through platforms like the Pumping Room Facebook group—moderated by lactation consultants. Furthermore, they provide access to mental health resources and tools via the Canopie maternal wellness app. Together, these initiatives aim to help mothers through their pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery phases with expert guidance and support.

To learn more about these resources, visit Aeroflow Breastpumps' website and connect with them on social media for ongoing updates and support.

About Aeroflow Breastpumps
Aeroflow Breastpumps, a division of Aeroflow Health, stands as the preeminent provider of motherhood essentials, including breastfeeding aids, postpartum education, and more—ensuring easy access to quality equipment and support through insurance channels. Their mission is focused on improving health outcomes related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum experiences. To explore more, please visit AeroflowBreastpumps.com.