The study began with this, though: Because almost all the data in this review were gathered from observational studies, one should not infer causality based on these findings. Also, there is a wide range of quality of the body of evidence across different health outcomes.

This study probably has some useful information, but just like all studies and statistics, it could be used as a guide but certainly not the absolute last word on anything. It even says as much.

I disagree that women need to be scared by yet another of the umpteen-million things they’re held responsible for regarding the health and welfare of their children. American mothers and fathers are doing the best they can in one of the least family-friendly countries in the world. It’s not mothers who need to be targeted, it’s the community at large.

European countries have wide “community support” for breastfeeding, which contributes to the high percentage of mothers who breastfeed there. They offer support through midwives, physicians, pediatricians and also through an unheard-of-in-America generous family leave of one year, sometimes up to two or more years. (Reducing the need or even the thought of having breastpumps in the workplace.) They generally have shorter workweeks and paid vacation time so family support is greater with the other parent and family members available if they live nearby.

Anyway … it’s a very complex issue, and I think these advertisements (either the scary ones or the toned-down ones) will solve anything. All it will do is allow people who might be in a position to work for meaningful change to say that they “did something” to help.

All I have is my own personal proof. I have two children. My oldest was breastfed for about 5 days. He has NO health problems whatsoever. My youngest was breastfed for almost 6 months and has allergies and asthma up the yang and was always sick as a child and in the hosptial twice!!

Now, for more “whateveryouwanttocallit” proof… I run a daycare and my helper and I just roll our eyes when a breastfed child enrolls because we know they’ll be the sickest kids at daycare. Sorry, but it’s true… or, is it a coincidence?

I don’t believe in the studies because they’re not foolproof!!!

I’m SO sick of this breast/formula debate… why don’t women just do what’s right for THEM and everyone else mind their own darn business!

Scaring women into breastfeeding is only effective when women can actually make good on the opportunity to breastfeed. Otherwise, it just leaves people feeling worse about their parenting skills in situations where their opportunities are severely constrained. I think that’s the reality many women face, and in many cases, why some women who would breastfeed are not doing so. Ads alone can’t change that, but public campaigns can and should.

It’s just another way of infantilizing women, saying to them “we don’t trust you to do the best you can.” I think the scare tactics are only going to hit the women who tried and failed.

I never had an infant, so maybe I missed all those ads encouraging breastfeeding in a positive, healthful, bond with your baby kind of way. I agree that breastfeeding should be promoted, and I think it is beyond shameful that the report was buried (this, actually, may be the most important part of your post and your future efforts). I just really disagree that scare tactics are the best way to reach out to new mothers. We’re scared enough.

I think some of the more positive suggestions: hospital guidance, lactivation consultants, tax breaks for family-friendly maternity leave policies, would be far more effective.