The Hampshire Gazette has perhaps understood the fragility of breastfeeding in this world. Certainly Annemarie Heath does, as she writes competently and accurately about this process. However, there is another side to explain. Women need camaraderie and support, as Annemarie and her colleagues will have perceived in the group meetings at the Yellow House. Too many women give up breastfeeding because they are scared by their responsibilities for a new life and isolated from more experienced mothers. Only social support can give them confidence and new friends for this stage of their lives. As one of many International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants, I was one of the global founders of our Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. In that capacity, I served UNICEF headquarters in New York as an infant feeding consultant for 10 years (approximately 1996-2006). Could Annemarie Heath be invited to write an additional article stressing the bonds that develop between breastfeeding women as they are learning responsive parenting from their new babies?
Helen C. Armstrong
Northampton