title: Overcoming clinical barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.
abstract: Although a large majority of US mothers now begin breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding rates fall far below national health objectives, with vulnerable populations being least likely to breastfeed exclusively. This article explores common personal and societal barriers to exclusive breastfeeding and offers evidence-based strategies to support mothers to breastfeed exclusively, such as ensuring prenatal education, supportive maternity practices, timely follow-up, and management of lactation challenges. The article also addresses common reasons nursing mothers discontinue exclusive breastfeeding, including the perception of insufficient milk, misinterpretation of infant crying, returning to work or school, early introduction of solid foods, and lack of support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neifert
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bunik
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States