Is It Really Mothers' Choice? Systemic and Provider Barriers to Breastfeeding

Much of the debate about breastfeeding is framed as the "mother's choice." As providers, we must always respect mothers' choices about how they feed their babies. However, there are provider-level barriers that undermine breastfeeding and, therefore, limit mothers' feeding choices. We address two systemic/provider-level barriers: birth interventions and providers' attitudes. Both birth interventions and negative provider attitudes about breastfeeding undermine the oxytocin system, making breastfeeding more difficult. Becoming aware of these barriers, providing mothers with effective support during labor and postpartum and changing provider attitudes are essential far increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates.