Breastfeeding is often described as one of the most natural things a mother can do—but if you a re reading this, you likely already know that it is far from easy! Every mother’s journey is unique, but what is common is that all of our journeys are filled with incredible joy, highs and lows, moments of connection, and, sometimes, deep frustration and pain. The latest breastfeeding statistics for England reveal a story of slow but steady progress.
Recent data shows that breastfeeding prevalence at 6 to 8 weeks has slightly increased, from 53.4% in the first quarter of 2024 to 54.3% in the second quarter of 2024. While these figures may seem modest, they represent thousands and thousands of mothers making the choice to continue breastfeeding despite the many challenges they face. Now that's worth celebrating!
Conversely, at the same time, however, the numbers also show that nearly half of babies in England are no longer being breastfed at this stage—raising important questions about the support available to new mothers and the barriers they encounter.
Why Do So Many Mothers Stop Breastfeeding Before They Want To?
If you’ve ever struggled with breastfeeding, you’re not alone. For my, nursing was just so hard in the beginning. Research shows that many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they had hoped - up to 90% according to some sources. Some of the most common reasons include:
• Lack of support: Many mothers feel isolated and unsure of where to turn for help with common issues like latch difficulties, supply concerns, and navigating cluster feeding. I know how true this is from the countless DMs I get on Instagram every day.
• Pain and discomfort: Conditions such as mastitis, engorgement, and nipple pain can make breastfeeding feel unbearable.
• Returning to work: The transition back to work often presents logistical challenges, and without supportive workplace policies, many mothers find it difficult to maintain breastfeeding. Get help with this specific transition, here.
• Societal pressure and misinformation: From well-meaning but outdated advice to societal expectations about feeding, external pressures can undermine confidence and motivation.
• Emotional and mental load: Breastfeeding can be all-consuming, and the demands of feeding on demand can take a huge toll on a mother’s well-being.
Heartbreakingly, the truth is, many mothers don’t stop breastfeeding because they want to—they stop because they don’t have the right support, information, or encouragement when they need it most.
Encouragement for Nursing Mothers
If you are currently breastfeeding, if nothing else, I want you to know that you are not alone in your journey. I write this from the privileged position of being connected to over 250,000 mothers around the world. Believe me, everything you may be struggling with as a nursing or pumping mother, there are many, many others in the same situation.
In case you haven't heard it today, despite the challenges, every feed, every ounce of effort, every moment of connection matters. Whether you’re feeding for days, weeks, months, or years—you’re blazing a trail for the mothers who will follow in your footsteps. In this slowly improving landscape of infant feeding, you are a game changer, mama. Your experience, your strength, and your resilience help to normalize breastfeeding and create a culture where new mothers feel more supported in their choices.
Tips for Mothers Who Want to Breastfeed
Whether you’re expecting a baby or already breastfeeding, here are some supportive tips to help you along the way:
1. Seek support early: Don’t wait until you’re struggling to reach out. Connect with local breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants, and online communities for guidance and reassurance.
2. Lower your expectations: Breastfeeding is a (often very steep!) learning curve for both you and your baby. It’s okay to take it one day at a time. You should not be expected to do anything else alongside caring for and nurturing your baby.
3. Know your options: If exclusive breastfeeding isn’t working for you, know that using donor milk, combination feeding or expressing milk also offers many benefits. Breastfeeding doesn't have to be all of nothing!
4. Set boundaries if needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, be honest without yourself and those around you. If you are still nursing beyond a year, it's okay to introduce feeding boundaries that work for both you and your baby. More on how to do that, here.
5. Trust your instincts: No one knows your baby better than you do. Listen to your body, your baby, and your heart and nurse, pump of feed them in the way that feels right for you and your unique situation.
A Message to Every Mother
To the mother who is up at 3 AM, reading this post under the glow of a nightlight— I need you to know that you’re doing an incredible job. To the mother navigating cluster feeding, fussy evenings, and teething—keep going, this season is the toughest, but for as long as it is important to you, it's worthwhile. And to the mother who’s making the difficult decision to wean—you’re making the right choice for you and your family, and that’s what matters most.
If you’re looking for more support on your breastfeeding journey, I’ve created a free 95 guide, How to Breastfeed, packed with practical tips and real-world encouragement to help you feel more confident.
With love,
Danielle
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