Breast milk is the best food for babies, but at what cost? From the point of view of a lactation specialist.

Written by Sherylann James (Contributor)

From before birth, parents are bombarded with “breast is best” and “you need to breastfeed your baby.” While I agree that there is no comparison to formula, there is a great lack of support for new mothers when it comes to breastfeeding.

For many, the breastfeeding challenges begin immediately after birth, and the support and skills to resolve those challenges are rare. From mothers expressing difficulty with latching and/or painful feeding, to asking for formula, mothers are met with simple statements but no real help: “What happened to the breast? Breast milk is best for the baby. Just wait a few days and it will get better. The pain is normal. The latch looks fine.” All of these are statements made to new mothers without an actual assessment, statements which come across as a dismissal to new mothers who are just looking for guidance.

Since starting my practice, Baby to Breast Lactation Services, I have supported countless new mothers with breastfeeding concerns. For many, the help did not come soon enough, but they were glad to finally get it. Part of the issue is the lack of comprehensive training in lactation education, as well as outdated practices continuing to be passed down. The imbalance stems from the reluctance to support new mothers and from professionals who are equipped to assist with those challenges.

While there are steps being taken to improve breastfeeding support within the healthcare setting, including the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Training, this is not sufficient. This training only allows for the basic support of breastfeeding mothers but does not take into account more complicated cases. Breastfeeding success is not only determined by a latch that “looks good,” but also takes into consideration addressing other complaints by completing full and detailed assessments. When I ask new mothers about the support they received for breastfeeding, the answer is usually the same. While a few can mention a few nurses who were able to assist them, many express not getting the guidance they needed. It is imperative that all healthcare providers, myself included as a lactation specialist, work together to improve breastfeeding experiences and outcomes.

I quote the World Breastfeeding Week theme for 2026: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” What works is evidence-based lactation support, up-to-date lactation care and guidance, inclusivity in the healthcare setting, continued education, and, most importantly, listening.

Apart from the limited and outdated lactation training, the main hindrances to continued breastfeeding are the lack of sufficient maternity leave and the lack of protocols to facilitate mothers after returning to work. Many new mothers return to work anywhere from six weeks to three months after the baby is born and are met with rigid schedules that do not allow time for pumping. This leads not only to potential discomfort but also to early cessation of breastfeeding.

The reality is that many new mothers feel backed into formula feeding, and it is simply due to the lack of support, lack of up-to-date lactation education, and the unintentional sabotage of their breastfeeding journeys from well-meaning medical professionals and family members.

To encourage exclusive breastfeeding until six months, as is the advised standard, there needs to be a shift in the support of breastfeeding, not just in words but also in action. Policies must be implemented and enforced, up-to-date lactation training provided, collaboration encouraged, and genuine care practised to improve breastfeeding success in Saint Lucia. Only then will we see the desired outcomes, including improved well-being for mother and baby and the overall health of our nation.

The article Breast milk is the best food for babies, but at what cost? From the point of view of a lactation specialist. is from St. Lucia Times.