TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com Find Nearly Half of Women Feel Uncomfortable About Moms Breastfeeding in Public
TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com 2nd Annual Breastfeeding Survey Reveals Breastfeeding Perceptions
NEW YORK (August 2, 2011) – Fact: 3 out of every 4 new moms in the US start out breastfeeding, yet more than half of them stop nursing before their child is six months old, and only 22% make it to the end of the year.1 Why are breastfeeding rates so low? Because new moms may not be getting the breastfeeding support they need.
In support of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August and to fight the stigma against breastfeeding, TheBump.com, a leading pregnancy and parenting website, andBreastfeeding.com, the number one breastfeeding website, today revealed the results of their 2nd Annual Breastfeeding Survey. Polling more than 1,600 women on TheKnot.com, TheNest.com and TheBump.com, the survey revealed everything from why moms choose not to breastfeed to what age women think is the “right” time to stop breastfeeding and how they feel about public breastfeeding.
“Study after study shows there’s not enough support for breastfeeding moms in the US – and it doesn’t help that nearly half of women (44%) we surveyed are uncomfortable or even ‘grossed out’ by public breastfeeding!” says Carley Roney, editor in chief of TheBump.com. “Thankfully, the government has made several moves in the past year to encourage breastfeeding, such as enforcing more workplace rules and tax breaks on nursing supplies, but there’s still a lot more work to be done. As a pregnancy resource, we felt it was our duty to not only raise awareness on the proven, unbelievable benefits of breastfeeding, but to help create a support system for women so they can get the breastfeeding resources they need and want.”
Highlights From TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com 2nd Annual Breastfeeding Survey
Nearly half of women (44%) feel uncomfortable seeing a mom breastfeed in public. In fact, 10% of women said, “Eww, in private please!” about public breastfeeding. The negative reaction to seeing moms breastfeed in public may be the reason why 41% of women who have breastfed/plan to breastfeed, said they’d only do so in private. And shockingly, 47% of pregnant women admitted that seeing women breastfeed in public makes them uncomfortable. Perhaps that’s why 56% of pregnant woman said they plan on breastfeeding only in private.
17% of women DON’T feel breastfeeding is one of the best things a mom can do for herself and her child. Although research from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has shown that breastfed children have a lower risk of developing cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes, and breastfeeding moms have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and type 2 diabetes, 10% of women surveyed still feel it doesn’t make a big difference for mom or baby.
25% of women who didn’t or won’t breastfeed said they tried but simply weren’t able to.This further emphasizes the need for more breastfeeding resources and expanded support. In addition, 27% of those who didn’t or won’t breastfeed think formula is just as beneficial as breast milk.
1 in 10 women don’t work in an environment that supports breastfeeding or pumping.Although US labor laws require places of employment to provide reasonable break time for breastfeeding moms and a private area to do so, 10% of women surveyed said they don’t work in an environment that supports this. Plus, 25% of women weren’t even sure.
An overwhelming majority did, currently do or plan to breastfeed. Of those women surveyed who have children, are currently pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, 93% did, currently do or plan to breastfeed their baby.
“Breastfeeding absolutely comes with some initial hurdles, but the physical and emotional benefits for mom and baby are worth overcoming the early challenges,” added Roney. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide women with all the breastfeeding resources and support they need on TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com.”
In addition to TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com 2nd Annual Breastfeeding Survey, TheBump.com offers breastfeeding resources, online events and information onTheBump.com/breastfeeding, including:
- Ta-ta Tuesdays With Lactation Consultants: Ta-tas, boobies, knockers. We know you’ve got questions about them and breastfeeding. Good news—we’ve got answers! Each Tuesday in August, moms can chat free with a lactation consultant from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET about all their breastfeeding questions and concerns, and they can win a Bébé au Lait nursing cover or Simplisse Gia breastfeeding pillow. Here’s TheBump.com “Ta-ta Tuesday” lineup:
August 2: Getting Prepped for Breastfeeding
August 9: Latches and Positioning
August 16: Breastfeeding a Newborn and Older Baby
August 23: Breastfeeding Problems
August 30: Weaning - Celebrity Mom Breastfeeding Stories: Celebs breastfeed their babies and are proud of it too! Gossip Girl actress Kelly Rutherford, musician Lisa Loeb and actress Ali Landry are among the celebrity profiles featured on TheBump.com/breastfeeding with real breastfeeding stories and star-studded mama advice.
- More Than 3,000 Breastfeeding Articles: To help moms answer all the questions running through their minds, TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com have compiled more than 3,000breastfeeding articles, along with a top 10 list of breastfeeding benefits and the craziest breastfeeding fiascos that are sure to bring some humor to the office or next family gathering.
- Largest Breastfeeding Online Community: TheBump.com and Breastfeeding.com house two of the largest online communities of breastfeeding moms who constantly share tips, personal advice and support on the topic, 24/7.
To receive a full copy of the survey results or to speak with an editor, please contact Melissa Bach at (212) 515-3594 or mbach@theknot.com.
About TheBump.com
The Bump is the only multiplatform brand focused exclusively on first-time moms looking for the inside scoop on fertility, pregnancy and new mommyhood, reaching millions of moms each year through The Bump Baby Network, including TheBump.com, Breastfeeding.com and The Bump local guide. The Bump editorial team, “born” on The Knot, provides new moms stage-by-stage advice, stylish ideas, local resources, interactive tools and a savvy online community who are obsessed with knowing about everything baby. The Bump is a part of XO Group Inc. (NYSE: XOXO; www.theknotworldwide.com), formerly The Knot Inc., a global media and technology leader devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between.
About Breastfeeding.com
Breastfeeding.com is the number one breastfeeding website with thousands of dedicated Q&As, articles and videos focused on providing the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand collection of breastfeeding content. Offering the ultimate team of breastfeeding experts and leading authorities, Breastfeeding.com has a massive directory of nearly 4,000 lactation consultants and the largest community of breastfeeding moms who provide constant support, advice and tips to breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding.com is part of XO Group Inc. (NYSE: XOXO), formerly The Knot Inc., a global media and technology leader devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between.
1. Breastfeeding Report Card 2010, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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