Canadian moms are breastfeeding their infants for an average of 7.5 months, according to a recent study by Avent/Impulse Research Corporation.
In fact, almost half (49.3%) of Canadian mothers surveyed said they anticipated breastfeeding for longer than they actually did.
"Breast milk provides all the nutrients needed for optimal growth and development," said Anne-Marie Desjardins, certified lactation consultant. "Unfortunately, mothers often experience many difficulties that hinder their ability to breastfeed."
Women cited a number of reasons for quitting breastfeeding early, including pain and discomfort (22.6%), lack of freedom and flexibility (18.1%) and the time involved (16.6%).
While the decision to breastfeed involves a number of factors, pumping breast milk is one option that can encourage women to breastfeed longer. Mothers often criticize breast pumps for feeling unnatural, but most said they would breastfeed longer if a pump offered more advantages, such as:
Ability to use it anywhere (56.4%), more natural feeling (52.3%) and ability to control the speed, suction, and rhythm (63.7%)
"Insufficient milk supply is among the top reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding early," said Desjardins. Advancing technology, such as that used by the latest Avent pump, "works with the mother's physiology resulting in faster and more natural milk flow. This is beneficial for preemie babies whose mothers cannot breastfeed their children immediately or for mothers in situations where breastfeeding is not well established."
With this pump, mothers can control and change suction, speed and rhythm in an instant. More than 63% of women reported that controlling the speed and rhythm of their breast pump is a top priority.
The online survey of 1,000 Canadian women who have tried breastfeeding was conducted by Impulse Research Corporation during the month of May 2006. The overall sampling error for this survey is +/- 2.5% at the 95% level of confidence.