We hear it all the time: “Breast is best.” And it’s true — breastfeeding has major health benefits for both babies and moms. But what happens when families want to breastfeed… and just can’t get the help they need? A new report from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) shows that in many places, support for breastfeeding is seriously lacking, especially in doctors’ offices. And that’s a problem.
What the study found:
- Families who get support (like classes or nurse visits) are more likely to breastfeed up to 6 months
- But support doesn’t do much for starting or continuing breastfeeding for a full year
- No harm came from giving families help
Why it matters:
Breastfeeding can:
- Lower babies’ risk of asthma, infections, and SIDS
- Help moms recover faster and lower their risk of cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure
What’s getting in the way?
- Doctors often aren’t trained to help
- Appointments are too short
- Many parents don’t get visits from experts
- Low-income families and working moms face the biggest challenges
What could help:
- Train doctors better
- Give longer appointments
- Offer home visits
- Improve maternity leave
- Make workplaces more breastfeeding-friendly
Even if you’re not a parent now, this stuff matters. Supporting families means better health, more fairness, and stronger communities.
