Initiating breastfeeding: a time for change – listening to the experiences of mothers

INTRODUCTION So far we have established that the 1990s witnessed a turning point in globally led initiatives to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, and saw hospitals in some countries changing previously ‘poor’ practices.2,3 Despite some controversy surrounding advice and support from professionals, the evidence suggests that professional help and advice in the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding are also critical.4-6 The importance of professional support generally for promotion, initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding has already been emphasised in Chapter 2.