I was really moved by this thread and wanted to add my bit even though I may be a bit behind everyone else!

I agree with Dory and think that she echo's many of the midwives sentiments that I have met on the p/n ward. The problem is of course staff shortages when it comes to giving women adequate support. Also I have noticed that many women are not prepared for how difficult it can be to get breastfeeding established. It might be a different story if they knew beforehand that it does not neccessarily come naturally to the baby or themselves.

I have three children, only one of which I breastfed successfully (the middle one). Now my kids are all, grown up, healthy, well rounded people and I defy anyone to tell me which one of them was the breastfed one. I do of course understand the magnificent benefits of breastfeeding but think that its terrible that women begin their life as mothers with these dreadful feelings of inadequacy if they struggle with feeding. The most important thing is that they enjoy that precious time, it goes by far too quickly!